Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

A new regional office will open soon in Moree to support communities and local businesses from Narrabri to the New South Wales/Queensland border to identify and connect to the benefits of Inland Rail.

A strong advocate for the design and delivery of Inland Rail, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack said the presence of departmental staff along the Inland Rail corridor would allow local people to talk to the Australian Government face-to-face about the opportunities and potential benefits on hand.

“It’s vital that our public service understands and serves the public and what better way to do this than employ local people to work with and among local communities,” Mr McCormack said.

“Regional officers play a vital role in guiding and connecting local communities and industry to information, support networks, local procurement and employment opportunities.

“In addition to supporting local communities and businesses, the Moree office will play an integral part in supporting the Government’s $44 million 2019-20 Budget initiative to develop strategic business cases for the Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program.

“This program will maximise connections to the national freight rail network – integrating regional lines and connecting local communities to the long-term benefits that flow from Inland Rail.”

The Moree office will complement the regional engagement activities of other offices already established by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development in Toowoomba, Dubbo and Wodonga. The new office will enable regular and direct engagement with communities and stakeholders through Inland Rail’s construction.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann welcomed the expansion of the regional network which demonstrates the Government’s commitment to building economic resilience in our regions.

“Large-scale infrastructure investment is a catalyst for economic growth through job creation, and industry and regional development,” Senator Cormann said.

“Connecting regional communities to domestic and international markets will ensure our producers and manufacturers remain globally competitive into the future.”

Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said that the additional office in Moree reflected the Australian Government’s commitment to unlock the potential of our regions.

“The Liberal National Government remains committed to decentralisation, which creates strong regional communities and economies by creating local jobs and economic diversity.”

“This is a great example of how a department can bring those working on government initiatives into the communities they are working to benefit.

“Further, local governments in the area have indicated their support and desire to develop long-term benefits through this significant infrastructure project being delivered by the Coalition Government.”

Mr Coulton said Moree is uniquely positioned to drive better freight productivity through road and rail connections to Inland Rail.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development plans to begin recruitment for the new position in August 2019.