Inland Rail Construction Commences

The Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack turned the ceremonial first sod for the Inland Rail alongside Australian Rail Track Corporation executives, the construction contractor INLink and other dignitaries at the site in Parkes. The Inland Rail will generate opportunities and benefits to the regions – 16,000 jobs during construction, 700 ongoing jobs once operational and $16 billion dollars to Australia’s economy. ARTC Chairman Warren Truss stated that with Inland Rail now in construction, the benefits and jobs are being realised today around the nation with Aussie steel from Whyalla, concrete sleepers being fabricated in the NSW Southern Highlands, ballast coming from Parkes and culverts produced in Tamworth.

The Melbourne to Brisbane Rail Alliance has welcomed the commencement of the construction of the Inland Rail as a historic milestone for Australia to meet its growing national freight task and develop an efficient supply chain. Chair of Melbourne to Brisbane Rail Alliance, Cr Sue Price of Moree Plains commends the Australian Government’s commitment of $9.3 billion for the ARTC to develop and construct the Inland Rail. She was also pleased that the private sector is also getting involved in this nation building project.

“The Inland Rail is the largest freight rail infrastructure project in Australia, contributing to the strength of our country”, said Cr Price. “The Inland Rail will provide unprecedented connection for regional Australia to domestic and international markets and transform the way we move our agricultural and other goods to market, linking regional farms and businesses to local and export opportunities. Commencement of this transformational freight infrastructure project is certainly encouraging and will benefit the country through improved reliability for freight transport, improved service standards and lower shipping costs.”

Further information about the Inland Rail project, including opportunities for local businesses can be found on the ARTC website.