PARKES as the rail gateway to the nation was the focus of a breakfast in Sydney, organised by rail operator SCT.
The breakfast was attended by politicians, freight forwarders and shipping line representatives among others.
Held at the Deckhouse in Woolich, the event was held in conjunction with Parkes Shire Council, the Australian Rail Track Corporation and the New South Wales government.
State politician Steph Cooke MP opened the event talking about the potential of Inland Rail for regional NSW.
ARTC manager of marketing and business development Glen Richmond highlighted the benefits of Inland Rail and the efficiencies that businesses in Parkes would see.
Parkes Shire economic and business development manager Anna Wyllie provided the audience with an insight into Parkes and future planning for businesses and lifestyle.
SCT general manager of commercial, Pat Kerin, spoke of the long standing commitment of SCT in Parkes and the wide-ranging capabilities of the business including the development of intermodal hubs across Australia.
He also noted the unique efficiencies on rail due to innovation and equipment, property developments on rail and the continued growth via logistics solutions.
Director of the New South Wales Office of Regional Economic Development Ian Smith also spoke of the potential of Parkes once Inland Rail was up and going.
The event concluded with a Q&A session with Glen Richmond, Anna Wyllie, Steph Cooke MP and SCT’s CEO Glenn Smith, answering questions about infrastructure and port connectivity with Inland Rail.
