A roads project is being billed as providing better connections to a completed Inland Rail.
The Australian Government has committed $35.2 million towards the $44 million Moree Intermodal Overpass project in New South Wales, which will improve freight connections and help lower business costs in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister and infrastructure minister Michael McCormack said the project is funded through the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative.
“The Australian Government had already committed $300 million towards the NSW section of the Toowoomba to Seymour Corridor and this will now include funding for the construction of the Moree Intermodal Overpass,” the Deputy PM said.
“This new overpass will improve supply-chain efficiency for local communities, better connecting the Newell Highway and the Inland Rail to make it a smoother route for freight, ensuring that goods get to ports and markets more quickly.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the Australian government was investing $4.6 billion in the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative nationwide.
“This funding ensures the Toowoomba to Seymour corridor continues contributing to the competitiveness of Australia’s agriculture and mining sectors by opening up access to essential freight networks in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria,” Buchholz said.
“Delivering more efficient freight connections ensures that not only truck drivers are safer on our roads but motorists too.”
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the Australian Government’s funding would enable construction of the new overpass, as well as connecting roads to ensure there are effective links in place to the Newell Highway in the West and to Bullus Drive in the east.
“Inland Rail is a catalyst for growth in the regions, and we are backing projects that will leverage the long-term benefits of Inland Rail to attract new businesses to regional Australia.”
Mayor of Moree Plains Shire Council Katrina Humphries said the Council was pleased to be partnering with the Australian Government and Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to deliver the project.
“The Council will be providing $550,000 towards the Moree Intermodal Overpass project to secure a direct interface connection to Inland Rail for improved freight productivity,” Cr Humphries said.
More information about proposed upgrades to the Toowoomba to Seymour Corridor in NSW is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.