Government investigating Inland Rail extension to Gladstone Port

THE Federal Government has announced it will spend up to $10 million to investigate the viability of extending the Inland Rail from Toowoomba to the Port of Gladstone.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the extension could potentially deliver better rail connectivity and expand access to import and export markets for Australian businesses and industry.

“Inland Rail is transforming regional Australia, driving jobs growth and creating new economic opportunities for communities along the line and our exporting industries,” Mr Joyce said.

“Extending the line to Gladstone would ensure the benefits of this nation-building piece of infrastructure are felt farther and wider, creating more jobs during construction, supporting existing jobs in the region, and better connecting our resources industries and agricultural producers to another major export gateway.

“The connection to Gladstone would be in addition to our existing commitment to take Inland Rail to Brisbane.”

The 1700-km rail line will currently connect Melbourne to Brisbane through regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said the Federal Government had “listened to calls to explore this extension to the Port of Gladstone”.

“The Deputy Prime Minister and I have consistently advocated for the extension of Inland Rail to Gladstone and this business case ensures that the idea is thoroughly tested,” Mr O’Dowd said.

“Inland Rail is already creating jobs, transforming our regions and stimulating new revenue and growth opportunities.”

The business case for the proposal was announced on Friday afternoon.