The Australian and New South Wales Governments have granted Planning Approval to the Parkes to Narromine (P2N) section of the Inland Rail, paving the way for construction to commence.
Minister for infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said that the Inland Rail will be bringing in jobs and opportunities as well as help improve connectivity and increase freight productivity in regional Australia.
“Today is another vital step in making our Inland Rail vision a reality and I am excited for the first section of Inland Rail construction to commence, with $9.3 billion in Federal Government investment.
"Communities across regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland will see the benefit of better access to market at home and overseas, as well as ensuring Australia meets the challenge of our freight task which is set to double,” Mr McCormack said.
Works on the P2N section of Inland Rail will include:
Other works on this section will include building crossing loops at areas where trains can pass each other as well as upgrading level crossings, signalling and communications, signage, fencing, and services and utilities along the corridor.
“The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) can start its upgrade to the 106 kilometres of track between these two important regional service centres. This will bring jobs and economic opportunity to the region,” Minister for the Environment Melissa Price said.
The P2N section is one of the 13 projects that will complete the Inland Rail - a 1,700-kilometre freight rail line that runs between Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
Construction on the P2N section is expected to commence in October of this year and due to be completed by mid-2020.
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Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Parkes Champion-Post; Narromine News (1, 2); Australian Rail Track Corporation