DESPITE being delayed by nearly three years, Tamworth mayor Col Murray is confident Tamworth's intermodal rail hub will soon be complete.
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Initially funded in 2017, the project has encountered several delays.
Cr Murray said while at times frustrating, the process of getting the project off the ground was almost complete.
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"We have been a bit frustrated at times by the bureaucratic hold ups," Cr Murray told the Leader.
"But, the important thing is for our local industries to have access to ports.
"It's critical that we are able to have this infrastructure, to ensure our economy stays competitive.
The confidence comes as Narrabri Shire Council's inland rail port development project makes quick progress.
The council has purchased 240 hectares of land for the project, conducting a land rezoning proposal and stakeholder engagement.
Narrabri mayor Cathy Redding said the council has been actively seeking grant funding to support the development of the project, having so far received over $8.5 million.
"The project is progressing as planned and the council is continuing to receive interest from prospective investors," she said.
"Narrabri Shire Council is definitely moving in the right direction to achieve the community target of economic diversification.
"This monumental project is gaining the attention of various levels of government and private industry professionals, largely due to the innovative approach the council are taking to leverage Inland Rail opportunities and our strategic location."
Cr Murray said any additional rail infrastructure for the region was also welcome.
"Narrabri is a bit different to us because of the links with the Inland Rail," he said.
"But anything that helps our economy stay competitive in the national and international market is certainly a positive."
Speaking at last month's State of the City regional economic update, the council's general manager Paul Bennett said he was hopeful the project could get under way soon.
"We certainly hope so, and we certainly hope that to be within the next couple of months," he said.
The final design plan for the project is expected at the end of the month.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
