A new major study has found that an inland railway linking Melbourne and Brisbane will need to be in operation by 2019 to meet Australia’s forecast transport task. Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss, said the study established that an inland railway is necessary to avoid further congestion on our roads and rail lines as our transport task doubles by 2025. He released the North South Rail Corridor Study in September. The Australian Government will now seek comment on the proposals from industry, State Governments and local communities.
Fully funded by the Australian Government, the study was overseen by the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS).
While the final route for a Melbourne to Brisbane rail line has not been determined, the study found that a substantial Government contribution would be needed to make the inland railway a reality. The study also highlighted further projects that could help alleviate some of the reliability issues on the coastal route between Sydney and Newcastle at a cost of $1.5 billion.
Following the release of the report, various groups attended a forum in Parkes, New South Wales during the last week of September. The aim was to form a united lobby group that will work with the government to ensure the rail line becomes a priority project and that it follows an inland route. Coordinated by Parkes Shire Council and The North South Rail Corridor Coonamble Option Steering Committee, the forum bought together groups including the Alliance of Councils for Rail Freight Development, which represents approximately 20 Councils from Victoria and Southern New South Wales; Great Australian Trunk Rail (GATR), which has looked at rail issues over the past decade and has strong links to Parkes Shire, Regional Development Boards and industry representatives.
Mayor of Gilgandra Shire Council and Chairperson of the North South Rail Corridor Coonamble Option Steering Committee, Councillor Warwick Moppett, said that the priority at the moment is to secure the inland route.
“There are many options and alternatives but basically all inland Councils and development bodies need to work together to ensure that any North South rail link between Melbourne and Brisbane takes an inland route,” he said.
Approximately 50 local Councils from New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria attended the forum. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport, Mark Vaile, was among delegates.
Mayor of Parkes Shire, Councillor Robert Wilson, said his attendance indicated this issue is of national importance and is currently on the government’s agenda.
“I am very pleased Mr Vaile was able to attend the forum,” he said. “Many people have worked long and hard to get to this point and it is essential we continue to highlight to the government the need for this vital infrastructure and the economical benefits it will bring to the inland of New South Wales.”
A full brief of outcomes from the Parkes Conference can be viewed at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/planning/5677/5678.html
