The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has welcomed a funding boost for key rail projects set to deliver critical transport for the future under the Federal Government's infrastructure review released today.
The independent strategic review of the Infrastructure Investment Program confirmed an additional $1.75 billion to be invested in the Logan-Gold Coast Faster Rail, $1 billion more in Western Australia's Metronet project, as well as confirming funding of $61.8 million for planning and development of the Western intermodal freight terminal at Truganina, Melbourne, to connect Inland Rail.
Today's announcement confirms the Federal Government's commitment of more than $18.6 billion for the construction and planning of critical rail projects across the country captured by the review.
ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie said it is also encouraging that the independent review recognised the Melbourne Airport Link as an essential project that must go ahead.
"As a major global city experiencing considerable population growth, the Melbourne Airport Rail link is a critical project that must proceed as soon as possible," Ms Wilkie said.
"It is an essential piece of transport infrastructure that will not only provide an important public transport link for commuters and businesses but support the local tourism industry."
Ms Wilkie said the review provided much-needed certainty around the pipeline and, importantly, an increased focus on delivering significant rail projects that enable economic growth and thriving communities.
"We are in the midst of a once-in-a-generation infrastructure pipeline that will greatly enhance how Australia moves its people and freight and it is critical that we have the right planning and processes in place to make the most of this opportunity," Ms Wilkie said.
"Having certainty around infrastructure projects ensures a viable and sustainable local rail supply chain which minimises disruptions to contractors and suppliers and enables better workforce planning and capability and reduces costs."
Ms Wilkie said the additional investment in faster rail from Logan to Gold Coast is a welcome boost, with much of Australia's regional rail infrastructure being slow by world standards.
"With a ballooning population and increasing congestion on highways, immediate investment in existing networks will improve the speed, reliability and frequency of regional rail services between the Gold Coast and the south of Brisbane," said Ms Wilkie.
"It has been shown overseas that small travel time improvements can have a significant impact on increasing patronage and supporting the economies and communities of cities."
The review can be found here.
