Connecting Inland Rail to Gladstone is a step closer to reality, with the Liberal and Nationals Government committing to undertake a business case into extending the line from Toowoomba to the Port of Gladstone.
The Government will provide up to $10 million to investigate the viability of the additional connection, which could create new and significant opportunities for our freight industry and the people and businesses of regional Queensland and beyond.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said extending Inland Rail from Toowoomba could deliver better rail connectivity to the Port of Gladstone 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," the Deputy Prime Minister 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."
Federal Member for Flynn Ken O'Dowd said enhancing Australia's freight network is vital to improving productivity and supporting economic growth well into the future, which is why the Liberal and Nationals Government is exploring options to extend Inland Rail.
"Our Government has listened to calls to explore this extension to the Port of Gladstone and this business case demonstrates our commitment to delivering for our regions and for Queenslanders," Mr O'Dowd said.
"Inland Rail is already creating jobs, transforming our regions and stimulating new revenue and growth opportunities for businesses in every state and territory across Australia.
"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.
"Our commitment also aligns with opportunities identified by Infrastructure Australia's Priority List for the Port of Gladstone Sea and Land Upgrade initiative."
Inland Rail is the largest transport infrastructure project in the Liberal and Nationals Government's $110 billion infrastructure pipeline. At the peak of construction, more than 21,500 people will work on the project.
It will deliver a boost of more than $18 billion to gross domestic product during construction and through the first 50 years of operation.
