COMMUNITIES can take their questions and concerns about the Inland Rail to the new regional office.
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Set to open in Moree soon, the office will support communities and local businesses from Narrabri to the state border to help individuals better understand the process.
The presence of departmental staff along the Inland Rail corridor would allow local people to talk to the government face-to-face about the opportunities and potential benefits on hand, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said.
"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."
The Moree office is expected to play an integral role in supporting the $44 million federal budget initiative to help strategic business cases for the Inland Rail Interface Improvement program.
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.
- Michael McCormack
It's hoped the program will maximise connections to the national freight rail network by integrating regional lines and connecting local communities to the long-term benefits of the Inland Rail line.
The Moree office is one of a number of regional hubs 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," Mr Cormann said.
"Connecting regional communities to domestic and international markets will ensure our producers and manufacturers remain globally competitive into the future."
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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," he said.
"This is a great example of how a department can bring those working on government initiatives into the communities they are working to benefit."
Recruitment for the new position is expected to start in August.
