The Federal Government has announced $10 million to investigate the viability of extending the Inland Rail line from Toowomba to the Port of Gladstone.
Linking the Inland Rail to the Port of Gladstone remains one of Gladstone Regional Council’s strategic priorities and has the potential to unlock long-term regional economic benefits and improve road safety while reducing land and sea transport congestion in South East Queensland.
Gladstone Region Mayor, Matt Burnett, said the announcement brings the Inland Rail project one step closer to becoming a reality.
“This $10 million investment will expand on our AEC report to investigate the viability of connecting the Inland Rail project to the Port of Gladstone,” Mayor Burnett said.
“This is something Gladstone Regional Council has been advocating for some time.
“However, it is important to thank the mayors, deputy mayors and councils from across Central Queensland, Regional Development Australia and Gladstone Port Corporation for supporting our business case through the AEC Inland Rail Economic Analysis report.
“I would also like to thank CQUniversity Chancellor, John Abbott, for helping advocate the Central Queensland connection.
“Obviously people in Brisbane and Canberra have been listening to our economic analysis and have invested this $10 million into the next stage of proving the business case of connecting to the Port of Gladstone.
“It’s great to see the Inland Rail wheels are in motion and this will open up opportunities not only for Gladstone but for Central Queensland as a whole.
