Private sector interest sought in constructing remainder of the 35km line.
The NSW Government’s planned Maldon to Dombarton freight rail line is a step closer, with a callout for private investors this week.
Roads minister Duncan Gay and Illawarra MP John Ajaka say the registration of interest process to construct the remaining sections of the 35km line will open on October 13.
Submissions will be accepted up until 2pm on February 24 next year.
Construction on the line first started in 1983 but was halted amid an economic downturn and doubts over the amount of coal that would require transport from Port Kembla.
While current infrastructure in the area is considered adequate, the Government is now confident demand for freight services will increase significantly over the coming years.
“As the freight task grows with the growing NSW economy and passenger services increase, it is important we have the right infrastructure in place for our rail network to operate at its peak efficiency in the future,” Ajaka says.
The Federal Government has committed $25.5 million to the project, should it generate market interest and official planning approvals.
Gay says the registration of interest is the vital next step that will provide a clear understanding of the commercial viability of completing and opening up the freight rail line.