Getting ready for Inland Rail

Regional Development Australia Orana (RDA Orana) is already primed for Inland Rail. John Walkom, chair of RDA Orana, has welcomed the strategic planning tool, Are you ready for Inland Rail?, which will be developed by Regional Australia Institute. It was commissioned by the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities to assist regions in identifying potential areas of growth based on new opportunities.

Mr Walkom said that the network would introduce a new era in freight transport in Australia, increasing the volume of commodities being transported and making it easier to move freight to state, national and overseas markets.

“It is expected to return $480 million to the economies of Central and North West New South Wales, introducing the potential to explore unchartered opportunities, forge new connections and increase profitability. In economic terms, we expect this to be a real driver of success.

“During the development phase alone, 16,000 jobs will be created to manage extensive upgrades and reconstruction of the existing rail track which includes replacement of bridges and culverts, enhanced level crossings and crossing loops.”

The Narromine to Narrabri rail link is a new corridor, which will become the longest and most significant greenfield project within the Inland Rail. At 307km in length, the addition of this new section will reduce transit times and complete one of the missing freight rail links between Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane.

For more information about the Inland Rail, visit www.inlandrail.com.au and www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au

There is an Inland Rail Regional Liaison Officer based at Dubbo. Contact Elisha Bailey on 0409 844 091 or Elisha.Bailey@infrastructure.gov.au