The Stockinbingal to Parkes section of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail continues to progress, with survey work and inspections under way as part of the feasibility design work.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said residents and local businesses would soon be able to see the benefits of Inland Rail, including more jobs and new investment opportunities.
“Inland Rail is the largest freight rail infrastructure project in the nation and will be the catalyst for new manufacturing and production opportunities throughout regional Australia,” said Darren.
Federal Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack joined representatives from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and Lycopodium – the company carrying out the feasibility design work – as well as cultural heritage, environmental, structural and technical experts in Forbes on Wednesday.
“This work involves environmental, technical and engineering studies that will provide input into the Australian Government’s work to get Inland Rail construction-ready.
This design work will also form the basis for environmental approvals and submissions process,” said Michael.
“Studies that begin today include air quality and vibrations surveys; investigations into existing structures; ecological surveys to identify any flora and fauna; and cultural heritage surveys.
“Inland Rail is good for business and will deliver immense opportunities for our rural and regional communities. I am delighted to see this work get under way and am looking forward to seeing construction start in 2018.”
The Stockinbingal to Parkes section of Inland Rail consists of 169 kilometres of enhancement work to the existing rail corridor, including upgrades to existing structures and height clearance increases.