The Moree Plains Shire Council will receive $300,000 in funding for a shire-wide transport and infrastructure study as part of the Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program, The Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said
Mr Coulton said the Federal Government’s investment of $8.4 billion in the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail will ensure certainty in the nation's biggest rail project in a century.
He said work would begin in the New Year on the Parkes to Narromine section of the project with planning of work on the Narrabri to North Star section of the line progressing well.
“The Inland Rail project, which will provide a rail freight connection between Melbourne and Brisbane, is connecting regional Australia with global markets. The region will play a major role in the delivery of Inland Rail, with the Central West region of New South Wales set to see $480 million in economic benefits from the nationally significant rail project,” he said.
“One Inland Rail train will support the movement of approximately 2,500 tonnes of freight in a single trip, equivalent to taking 110 B-double trucks off the roads.”
The Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall said the Program aims to diversify economies and create new jobs in the Murray Darling Basin.
He said the study will aim to identify and support intermodal opportunities.
“The intermodal study will help the region determine what overpasses, bridges and other infrastructure we need to build so Moree businesses can capitalise on the proposed Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project,” Mr Marshall said.
“Streamlining our local infrastructure will help deliver fantastic results for businesses in the future – this really is a game changer for Moree,” he said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said Moree Shire council is taking advantage of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make significant economic gains from the inland rail project.
“The Strategic Transport Plan being developed by Moree Plains Shire Council with assistance from the State and Federal governments means Moree will be ready to take advantage of the Inland Rail project,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This funding means the Moree is planning for a more prosperous and diversified future by linking into future freight opportunities.”
Director of Planning and Community Development at Moree Plains Shire Council Angus Witherby said the funding represents a major step in helping the local businesses maximise growth opportunities both nationally and internationally.
“The Inland Rail project presents a once in a lifetime opportunity for our region,” Mr Witherby said.
“This funding will allow us to engage top level consultants to assess existing local infrastructure and determine what Moree needs to help our agribusiness sector improve competitiveness and maximise profits.
“We’re very thankful for the funding and are excited about the future prospects this study will bring,” he said.
The Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program is funded by the Australian Government and facilitated by the NSW Government.
Caption: Director of Planning and Community Development at Moree Plains Shire Council Angus Witherby, Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton and Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall.