Inland Rail Link must pave the way for more regional roads and rail
23 October 2009
INLAND RAIL LINK PROGRESS MUST PAVE THE WAY FOR MORE REGIONAL ROADS AND RAIL
Federal Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane has welcomed today’s announcement of the Australian Transport & Energy Corridor Limited’s intention to build the Moree to Toowoomba rail link.
“This project is directly connected with the long-term economic future of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs and must be a spur for the Rudd Government to end its indifference to regional infrastructure,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“Along with the Toowoomba Bypass, the Inland Rail Link would provide a range of new economic opportunities not only for our region, but for western Queensland as well.
“The 340 kilometre railway from Moree to Toowoomba is a significant component of the Melbourne to Darwin Inland Rail Link, which would provide a more efficient freight corridor between the states and to major ports, as well as take some of the heavy traffic off our roads.
“This type of transport infrastructure also creates significant opportunities for regional Queensland and provides new job prospects and population revitalisation for local towns.
“The Australian Transport & Energy Corridor Ltd should also be congratulated for its tenacity and long-term vision to see this project come to fruition.
“Regional transport infrastructure is equally as important as capital city projects to securing Australia’s long-term economic prosperity.
“The Rudd Government can no longer ignore regional Australia and must commit to the full realisation of the Inland Rail Link and the construction of the Toowoomba Bypass.”