Local communities in regional Australia will soon be reaping the rewards of Inland Rail with the opening of an Albury-Wodonga local office, one of three located along the 1,700 kilometre project.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said this was a great step for Inland Rail, a project which will create jobs and investment opportunities throughout regional Victoria and Southern NSW.
“This Government is driving the benefits of Inland Rail for Australia and providing opportunities for businesses and communities across regional Australia. This project will create thousands of jobs and return $16 billion to the economy during the delivery phase and the first 50 years of operation,” Mr McCormack said.
“Inland Rail is about creating new growth opportunities for regional communities, and creating expanded career pathways for people living in regional Australia. As a regional MP, I am proud to see the Government delivering on our commitment to build this vital corridor of commerce.”
Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said the appointment of a local Regional Liaison Officer will assist businesses and communities in the border and north east to capitalise on the economic and social opportunities of Inland Rail.
“Staff from the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities will work with people on the ground though southern New South Wales and Victoria to maximise local procurement and employment opportunities, as well as preparing industries and our region to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the project.”
“The Albury-Wodonga office will have responsibility for maximising the benefits from Inland Rail in the region, providing us with a huge potential employment boost from the operation of Inland Rail,” Ms Ley said.
Federal Member for Murray Damian Drum said Victoria was the first state to sign up to the Inland Rail project and is excited about the jobs and investment opportunities it will bring.
“The Turnbull-McCormack Government and Victorian Minister for Public Transport and Major Projects Jacinta Allan signed the Bilateral Agreement in relation to Inland Rail last week, and I am pleased to see yet another milestone reached for the project,” Mr Drum said.
“Inland Rail will make a big difference for local farmers and producers in Victoria, by improving freight travel times and taking trucks off our highways, and boosting our region’s competitiveness.” Construction works will commence once all necessary approvals have been received. More information about the Inland Rail project is available at www.inlandrail.com.au.
