Northern NSW investments with Inland Rail
Food, grain, transport and logistics are some of the sectors likely to see additional investment with the operation of Inland Rail from Goondiwindi to just below Narromine.
Those are some of the investment opportunities outlined in the Northern New South Wales Regional Intelligence Report released today, which also modelled long-term jobs and economic growth off the back of investments and expansion alongside Inland Rail.
As part of a broader economic study, the research shows Inland Rail is capable of supporting another 310 full-time jobs and adding up to $160 million to the value of goods and services produced in 16 local government areas during its 10th year. This builds on the jobs and growth projected from construction.
Local member and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton welcomed the report and the opportunities highlighted for the region.
"This report is an endorsement of what our Government has always known - Inland Rail is a once-in-a-generation project that is going to deliver lasting opportunities for business.
"The time is now for industry to start planning for the coming decades and strategically position themselves to build resilience in their supply chains and take full advantage of the huge benefits Inland Rail is going to offer," Mr Coulton said.
The Northern New South Wales region in this study contributes $11.5 billion in gross value added to the state economy and handles approximately 50 million tonnes of freight a year, the equivalent of 1.7 million B-double trucks.*
With the evidence available in this study, communities from Goondiwindi to just below Narromine have data and insights that will help them plan ahead and make the most of Inland Rail.
The jobs and economic growth highlighted in this research will also build on the boost from Inland Rail’s construction, which is anticipated to support 5,000 jobs and bring a $2.5 billion boost to gross state product for the state of New South Wales.
Read more about the long-term economic opportunities with Inland Rail.
* Truck calculation is based on an average tonne load of 29 across all commodity types