The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) welcomes an important milestone in the construction of the Inland Rail project with the delivery of the first 14,000 tonnes of steel for the Parkes to Narromine section of the project.
“The ARA congratulates the Australian Government and the Australian Rail Track Corporation on this significant milestone, which involved the delivery of 14,000 tonnes of steel by Liberty OneSteel Whyalla Steelworks,” said Danny Broad, CEO, Australasian Railway Association (ARA).
“This is the first 14,000 tonnes of steel amongst a total of 262,000 tonnes that will be required as part of the 1,700km project. Rail freight operator Genesse & Wyoming Australia coordinated the delivery of the steel to site from the Whyalla Steelworks.
“The Inland Rail project is a once-in-a-generation project that will not only provide a national freight connection between Melbourne and Brisbane, but will also open up regional Australia by linking our farms, mines, cities and ports to global markets.
“The project will provide great benefits, including reduced freight transit times between Melbourne and Brisbane to 24 hours, improving the supply chain by reducing transport costs and providing greater access to farmers and businesses to ensure greater competitiveness in the marketplace.
“The project also provides value to the community by injecting 16,000 jobs and stimulates the local economy.
“We look forward to seeing the construction works commence midyear on the Parkes to Narromine section once all necessary approvals have been received,” concluded Danny Broad
