Perth’s airport rail line, the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal, and the Adelaide-Tarcoola Rail Upgrade have all been added to Infrastructure Australia’s Priority List.
IA’s Infrastructure Priority List is updated by the body to identify “nationally significant projects and initiatives” in each state and territory.
IA chief executive Philip Davies said on Friday the IA board had positively assessed business cases for the three rail project, as well as Victoria’s M80 Ring Road Upgrade project.
“Adding these projects to our Infrastructure Priority List demonstrates that they are sound investments that have the potential to address some of the nation’s key infrastructure challenges, such as urban congestion and the need to improve national freight connectivity,” Davies said.
“The Perth—Forrestfield Airport Rail Link will address the lack of public transport access to the eastern region of Perth and Perth Airport, and reduce road congestion in the city’s east,” Davies explained.
“Improving public transport access to Perth Airport will help manage ongoing growth, as passenger numbers double over the next 20 years.”
Regarding the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal, he said: “Development of an Intermodal Terminal at Moorebank in Sydney’s south-west is part of a long-term strategy to increase the carriage of freight by rail.
“The updated business case shows this project will provide a significant boost to Sydney’s intermodal terminal capacity, allowing for much more freight to be transported to and from Port Botany by rail.”
Davies also said the Adelaide-Tarcoola Rail Upgrade would support projected growth in national freight volumes by improving capacity on the line between Adelaide and Perth.
“Investment in Australia’s national freight network is vitally important if we are to make the most of our population growth and our close proximity to the booming economies of China and South-East Asia,” the CEO continued.
“Australian governments should continue to consult the Infrastructure Priority List to progress initiatives such as these that deliver substantial economic benefits and improved outcomes for infrastructure users around the country.”