Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

The iconic Inland Rail project is building momentum in Queensland with the State’s Coordinator-General declaring the section between the New South Wales and Queensland border and Gowrie as a ‘Coordinated Project’. 

The Coalition Government committed an additional $8.4 billion in the 2017-18 Federal Budget toward Inland Rail, continuing our commitment to deliver this major job creator for regional Australians.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the announcement was an important step for the key Queensland link.

“With this declaration the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will start the environmental impact assessment phase, involving detailed environmental studies and community consultation,” Mr McCormack said.

“Inland Rail in Queensland will be dual gauge and will enable agricultural and bulk freight from south-east Queensland to travel to market faster and at a lower cost.”

Federal Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann said Inland Rail would open up a new freight option for southern Queensland, improving efficiency and competitiveness for producers.

“Inland Rail is set to boost economic development and investment, including in regional Queensland and will return $16 billion to the national economy during the delivery phase and into operation,” Mr Cormann said.

Federal Member for Groom John McVeigh said the community's input had been essential in getting this project underway and he was looking forward to seeing how their views would shape the project.

“ARTC will continue to work closely with residents, industry, Councils and stakeholders to ensure the community's voice is heard, with a number of formal and informal opportunities for locals to have their say during this phase,” Dr McVeigh said.

“This project is big news for southern and regional Queensland returning $7.3 billion to the Queensland economy and I am keen to see how the community can take advantage of this transformational project.”

Construction on the Border to Gowrie project will start once all necessary approvals have been received. For more information on the project, including visit www.inlandrail.com.au.