Australasian Railway Association boss Danny Broad has welcomed the first delivery of steel for Inland Rail, calling it a “once-in-a-generation” project.
Freight operator Genessee & Wyoming last week delivered the first 14,000 tonnes of steel rail from South Australia’s Whyalla steelworks, to the Parkes to Narromine section of the Inland Rail route.
Broad on Monday congratulated the Australian Government and the Australian Rail Track Corporation on a “significant milestone”.
“This is the first 14,000 tonnes of steel amongst a total of 262,000 tonnes,” he said. “The Inland Rail project is a once-in-a-generation project that will not only provide a national freight connection between Melbourne and Brisbane, but will also open up regional Australia by linking our farms, mines, cities and ports to global markets.”
The ARA has been a key proponent of Inland Rail, campaigning to federal, state and local governments that the project will reduce freight transit times and costs, and will provide farmers and businesses greater access to the national and global marketplace.
“The project also provides value to the community by injecting 16,000 jobs and stimulates the local economy,” Broad said.
“We look forward to seeing the construction works commence midyear on the Parkes to Narromine section once all necessary approvals have been received.”