Developing local ideas to improve interfaces and connect to Inland Rail

Sixteen project proposals have been assessed as eligible under the first round of the Australian Government’s $44 million Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the proposals going through to the next stage of the gateway assessment process included “[a]n intermodal facility at Mangalore, expanded freight infrastructure in the Riverina, road upgrades for a rail spur in Croppa Creek, and rail upgrades between Kurumbul and Thallon,” as some of the connectivity ideas being supported through the program.

“Inland Rail has always been about far more than building a rail line – it’s about investing in our national freight network, enhancing supply chains and bringing jobs and economic opportunity to regional Australia,” Mr McCormack said.

Each project idea has the potential to boost local economies and improve connections with Inland Rail. The successful proponents will work with an EY-led consortium of specialist business advisers to further develop their ideas into feasibility studies and robust business cases.

With this support, the Interface Improvement Program gives local organisations, governments and communities the opportunity to assess the costs and benefits of improving connections between Inland Rail and the producers and communities alongside it.

The Department of Infrastructure would like to thank the people who submitted their ideas during the first round for expressions of interest in 2019. We congratulate the successful round one projects and the priority proposals, which are now working with business case support.

Supply chain managers, producers, local and state governments, local businesses, community representatives and freight and train operators are encouraged to submit further ideas for projects that can maximise the benefits from Inland Rail through a second round for expressions of interest in mid-2020. 

Read more about the Interface Improvement program  including the principles and information requirements proposals need to meet.