Tonight’s federal Budget is to include $59.8 million for Tasmania’s ongoing freight rail revitalisation program, bringing the total Commonwealth contribution to $120 million and unlocking the next four-year tranche of works.
The Tasmanian Rail Revitalisation Program (TFRRP) is working towards upgrading priority sections of the state’s freight rail network, with tenders being released progressively for re-sleepering and re-railing works, minor drainage works, replacement or rehabilitation of selected culverts and selected rail bridges.
The first four-year tranche of the program is expected to be completed by the middle of 2019, with almost $92 million of the initial $119.6 funding package having been invested in the delivery of important rail infrastructure works.
Across the state thus far, 106,936 sleepers have been replaced, 105,927 metres of rail, 113,681 metres of track tamped, 55,471 tonnes of ballast replaced, 31 culverts rehabilitated and 30 level crossing upgraded as part of the program.
The federal government’s 2018-19 Budget funds are to match the $59.8 million commitment of the state government and enable the delivery of a second four-year program of upgrades.
TasRail’s newly-appointed CEO Steven Dietrich welcomed the federal government’s commitment to help fund the second tranche of freight rail infrastructure upgrades.
“This funding gives certainty to our existing highly-valued customers – as well as the new customers we are currently in negotiation with – that decades of deferred rail infrastructure spending are being addressed and that TasRail will further expand its capabilities of providing innovative logistical solutions,” Dietrich said.
“This funding announcement ensures all teams remain mobilised and committed to delivering the next round of projects commencing 1 July 2019.”
The second tranche of major projects will include reconstructing formation and ballast, replacements to sleepers and culverts, and upgrades to 35 level crossings.
“All key rail freight corridors from Hobart to Launceston to Burnie to Rosebery will benefit from this funding commitment and TasRail looks forward to working with the State and Federal Governments to deliver these critical projects on time and on budget,” Dietrich said.
In enabling TasRail to provide more efficient services, Dietrich said, the upgrades would also help take trucks off the roads and enable new businesses to establish themselves in Tasmania – especially in minerals in the state’s north west – and help boost increases freight transport coal, paper and cement.