Australia announces additional Aus$8.4 billion for Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail
The Australian Government has announced its commitment to Inland Rail with an additional $8.4 billion investment. Inland Rail is forecast to boost Australia’s GDP by $16 billion over 50 years, reduce emissions by 750,000 tonnes and will reduce the number of trucks on our major highways, helping to make our roads and towns safer.
Inland Rail is a high-capacity 24-hour, freight line between Melbourne and Brisbane that runs through regional Australia to reliably connect cities, farms, mines, and ports to domestic and international markets.
The project utilises 1,200 km of existing rail infrastructure and will involve the construction of 500km of new track.
Up to 16,000 direct and indirect jobs will be supported at the peak of construction, and an additional 700 jobs once operational.
The route has been divided into 13 projects across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland for design and construction purposes.
The Melbourne to Brisbane stretch is largely settled, but some sections are undergoing refinement. Existing rail network is being used as much as possible, however hundreds of kilometres of new track will need be defined and protected.
The Australian Government will work closely with state governments on planning and environment approvals and corridor protection for Inland Rail, although each state also has its own environment and planning laws in addition to Australian Government approval requirements.
The project also includes construction of approximately 8.9 kilometres of tunnels through the Toowoomba Range.
Opportunities to participate in the delivery of Inland Rail will be communicated through an open approach to market.
