Seven project proposals from the Parkes electorate will be receiving expert technical support thanks to the second round of the Australian Government’s Interface Improvement Program (II Program).
Project proposals which will move forward under the II Program include:
- Gilgandra Shire Council to investigate an intermodal terminal or freight precinct in Curban.
- Lachlan Shire Council to investigate the viability of a warehousing and logistics centre near Condobolin.
- Narromine Shire Council to develop an Industrial Precinct and Freight Exchange at Narromine to service the Inland Rail route and the regional rail network.
- Auscott who are looking at a business case to lengthen two sidings at the Auscott Narrabri Siding and incorporate two additional turnouts.
- Louis Dreyfus Company who are investigating an expansion or upgrade of their existing Moree intermodal facility.
- Pacific National who are investigating a rail upgrade to interface with the future Moree Special Activation Precinct.
- Transport for NSW to develop a siding near the Dubbo Regional Rail maintenance facility and upgrading of the Narrabri West yard including sidings to cater to 25 TAL freight trains.
Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton congratulated the successful proponents and said the II Program would support local communities and industry to progress their big connectivity ideas.
“We have reached out to the regions to hear their ideas because we want to ensure that the interfaces, the sidings, the loops, the connecting tracks, the silos and handling facilities are improved and better connected,” Minister Coulton said.
“Connectivity is at the heart of this government’s commitment to Inland Rail because the regions are our lifeblood for resources and agricultural production.
“The Parkes electorate is in the driver’s seat to benefit from projects that are moving forward under the Program – ones that improve our supply chains and better connect country rail lines to Inland Rail.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the II Program was a great way for local government, industry and regional communities to enhance supply chain productivity in their areas and realise the potential of Inland Rail.
“Inland Rail is sparking activity right along the alignment as people and regions explore new ways to connect to the line, work on construction and supply the project with materials and services,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The successful proponents will now receive specialist support from EY to build business cases and undertake studies that test the merits and feasibility of each proposal.”
Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said Inland Rail would enhance Australia’s freight network and in doing so deliver significant benefits to the Australian economy.
“Inland Rail will connect Melbourne and Brisbane through regional Australia with the spine of a fast, reliable and efficient freight network,” Minister Birmingham said.
“The construction and operation of Inland Rail will deliver a boost of more than $18 billion to Gross Domestic Product during construction and its first 50 years of operation – the Australian Government is committed to enhancing the connections to this freight rail line to maximise these returns.”
Twenty project proposals from Round One are receiving expert support through the II Program and a further 15 project proposals so far were found eligible in Round Two.
The II Program does not provide or guarantee funding for projects; however, it enables local ideas to be developed for further investment consideration.
Find out more about the II Program and the successful proposals at https://www.inlandrail.gov.au/regional-development/interface-improvement-program
