Formed in 1994, the IAQ is the peak body representing the infrastructure industry in Queensland, fostering private sector investment in infrastructure, and providing a deeper understanding between the public and private sectors.
The IAQ Infrastructure Assembly 2022 brought together over two hundred infrastructure professionals from across Queensland and beyond to discuss the trends, challenges, and opportunities in the state's infrastructure ecosystem.
Rebecca Pickering, Inland Rail Interim Chief Executive said
"Inland Rail is creating a new reality for Australia and a more prosperous nation, connecting businesses, communities and supply chains with a fast, safe and reliable freight rail network.
"Right now, only around 30% of the freight between Brisbane and Melbourne transported by rail but with the arrival of Inland Rail that will increase to over 60% by 2050.
"To help a shift onto rail occur, freight customers want to see less vulnerability in rail infrastructure networks and Inland Rail provides a new, more resilient freight pathway, creating redundancy in the network to improve overall reliability of the system.
"That shift to rail will help to reduce carbon emissions and will give us safer and less congested roads.
"Inland Rail will play a critical part in helping to deliver the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy and the National Action Plan that sets an agenda for coordinated and well-planned government and industry action across all freight modes over the next 20 years and beyond.
"In terms of the downstream supply chain, Inland Rail is ensuring full compliance with the Australian Industry Participation Plan and is working with contractors to enhance downstream supply chain capability and capacity.
"We are also dividing larger procurements to encourage and allow greater volume of business participation and actively addressing long lead times arising from global challenges that affect regional businesses.
"Although Inland Rail will deliver great benefits, we can do more to maximize the value that it delivers as the project continues.
"It's already very promising to see government's investigating proposals for better connections to rate rail networks and road, and furthering studies on intermodal terminals that can unlock more value from the freight network."
IMAGE: Inland Rail Interim Chief Executive speaking at the IAQ 2022 conference
