Major construction works on the Inland Rail project have begun in Victoria, meaning building is underway in two of the three states.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) marked the occasion with a community event in Glenrowan.
Inland Rail is Australia’s largest freight rail infrastructure project and will connect Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. It aims to better connect businesses, manufacturers and producers to national and global markets and create new opportunities for Australian industries and regional communities.
Victoria is expected to benefit significantly from Inland Rail with freight efficiencies and investment opportunities expected to boost the state’s potential output by $6 billion over the first 50 years of operation.
Inland Rail follows along the existing North East Rail Line that was upgraded in 2021. To enable double stacked trains ARTC must upgrade existing infrastructure at 12 sites.
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McConnell Dowell, the appointed contractor on the first four projects at Seymour, Barnawartha North, Glenrowan and Wangaratta, has commenced preliminary site works and will move into major construction in coming weeks. The remaining projects are currently in the reference design stage.
Inland Rail interim chief executive, Rebecca Pickering, said the project is supporting jobs and economic opportunities in regional communities.
‘Over the next four years, Inland Rail is set to deliver vital local stimulus and support hundreds of Victorian jobs,” Pickering said.
“Construction activity will bring opportunities for businesses to participate in delivering the work, but there will also be a positive flow-on effect for motels, retailers, cafes and restaurants through to a range of service providers who will reap the benefits of the project.
“ARTC remains committed to meaningful and respectful consultation with the communities along the alignment as we continue through delivery activities for these sites.
“We acknowledge the construction activity will disrupt local communities close to our projects and we thank them for their patience and understanding as we deliver this important project.”