THE FEDERAL government last week announced an independent review into the $14.5-billion Inland rail project. This review has been welcomed by entities involved in the vast project.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation, the government-owned entity charged with the overall delivery of the 1700-kilometre project.
An ARTC representative said Inland Rail is a major piece of national infrastructure, delivering critical enhanced freight rail capacity between Melbourne and Brisbane, enabling the faster and safer transportation of goods.
“The successful delivery of a highly complex program of works like Inland Rail requires close liaison and effective engagement with communities and extensive co-operation with multiple departments and agencies at both Commonwealth and state level,” the representative said.
“ARTC welcomes this opportunity to work with Dr Kerry Schott AO, the independent reviewer, to ensure Inland Rail is a modern freight network that better connects the country.”
The representative said ARTC is committed to creating benefits for the broader regional community along the Inland Rail route.
“While this independent review is underway our work of designing and building Inland Rail will continue, supporting businesses and jobs, and enabling communities and local governments to engage on this important initiative,” they said.
On the southern end
The Port of Melbourne also issued a statement saying the company looks forward to contributing to the review of Inland Rail. The southern terminus of the route is planned to be in Melbourne.
Port of Melbourne CEO Saul Cannon said the review, to be headed by Dr Kerry Schott, was an opportunity to support the timely and efficient delivery of the project and support a fundamental intermodal shift to rail.
“Moving trucks off the road and better connecting our economy through rail would deliver economic, environmental and community amenity benefits,” Mr Cannon said.
“The Port of Melbourne has already invested $125 million in the new Port Rail Transformation Project and we’re keen to link up with public infrastructure to further improve rail access.”
Mr Cannon said he was pleased that the review will specifically consider Melbourne intermodal terminal issues and port connections.
“There is strong, co-ordinated support from local communities, freight operators, industry and the Victorian government for the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal at Truganina as a first priority,” he said.
“This is an opportunity to support the efficient delivery of the Inland Rail Project and align on a much-needed terminal and prepare for the longer-term supply needs of our growing economy.”
Mr Cannon said while the Inland Rail project would deliver more, better-connected freight as an urgent priority, the port also understands that it must be done correctly.
“This project is an important link for our regional industries to bring their products and goods to global markets, as well as ease connection and improve our supply chain.”
“We look forward to working with Dr Schott and the review.”
