“IF YOU build it, they will come.”
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While it might sound cliched, Narrabri Shire Council mayor Conrad Bolton believes the inland rail network will spell big things for his area.
Speaking to The Leader following the federal government’s confirmation of a $594 million commitment to the project in Narrabri yesterday, Mr Bolton said talks with landholders about the alignment of the railway are progressing and the process was working well so far.
As the election campaign rolled into Narrabri yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, and Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester reaffirmed their support for May’s budget announcement, which is in addition to $300 million already committed to the national project.
The trio was flanked by former deputy prime minister and project chairman John Anderson.
Cr Bolton said Narrabri was in a prime position to become a key site in the rail network, which would all but guarantee a bright future of export opportunities for existing and new industries.
“Perhaps new industries will generate into the future,” Cr Bolton said.
“I’m sure investment plans are being modelled and analysed as we speak, so that opportunities can be taken once the infrastructure is in place.
“One of the great things about rail is it is very important in the equation for us, not only will it provide our shire with several port opportunities, but it most importantly provides benefit to the farm gate in regards to freight costs, and I think that’s crucial.
“The fact that you get freight to major ports quickly in a very cost- effective way is what I see as a major outcome from this.”
Cr Bolton said the community had been responding well to the project so far.
“Naturally the rail line is going to interfere with properties,” he said.
“As they start to get a more tailored alignment, and the process has been very good, they need to work with farmers who are going to be affected by the final track alignment and make sure they remain courteous and considerate to the people affected.”
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the project was expected to create up to 16,000 jobs during construction and 700 jobs when in operation.
“By connecting south-east Queensland by rail to Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, we not only reduce the freight distance between Melbourne and Brisbane by 200km and between Brisbane and Perth by 500km, we establish a corridor of commerce and bring wealth west,” Mr Joyce said yesterday.
The project is predicted to remove about 200,000 trucks from the road network and reduce the travelling time of intercapital freight between Brisbane and Melbourne to under 24 hours.
The project is also expected to boost growth opportunities resulting from new free trade agreements with China, Japan and South Korea.