Another 15 local ideas backed to enhance connectivity and improve the interfaces with Inland Rail

The Australian Government has announced a further 15 project proposals will receive expert technical and commercial support under the $44 million Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program (II Program).

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the II Program was a great way for local government, industry and regional communities to enhance supply chain productivity in their areas and realise the potential of Inland Rail.

“Inland Rail is sparking activity right along the alignment as people and regions explore new ways to connect to the line, work on construction and supply the project with materials and services,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

View the location and description of eligible proposals progressed so far through round two of the II Program.

The II Program supports the development of ideas that will increase the amount of freight on Inland Rail. The eligible project proposals will explore new ways to improve connectivity of the regions to the national freight network by upgrading existing country rail lines. Other project proposals seek to increase supply chain productivity through the investigation of intermodals and handling facilities along the alignment, longer and better rail sidings in New South Wales or enhanced local road connections to Inland Rail in Queensland.

Project proponents will receive specialist support appointed by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications to help further their ideas into feasibility studies and business cases.

The Department would like to thank those who submitted their ideas during the second round of the Interface Improvement Program.

Read more about the Interface Improvement Program and the eligible project proposals for the second round.