Don’t Miss The Train
The Rail Freight Alliance; Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Project Symposium 2019, engaged Councils, industry and Government right across Victoria.
The Rail Freight Alliance is member of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Alliance (MBIRA) Executive and organised the Symposium to inform Victorian councils along the route of the opportunities such a project can bring to their regions.
The Symposium was supported by presenters from Inland Rail, Freight Victoria, Australasian Railway Association and the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Alliance (MBIRA).
MBIRA Executive members, Chair, Cr Sue Price from Moree Plains Shire Council, Cr Paul Antonio, Mayor, Toowoomba Regional Council and Parkes Shire Council, represented by Ms Anna Wyllie were all presenters at this event.
Cr Price, Chair MBIRA took the opportunity to thank out going Chair, Mayor of Parkes Shire Council, Cr Ken Keith OAM for his drive and dedication over many years to see this project come to fruition. “This investment that has been spoken about for decades, is now a reality, Cr Price said. The MBIRA has championed this project and we continue to support the project through initiatives such as this conference. There is a clear message to all Councils that can access this infrastructure, get ready for the opportunities that come from this investment and don’t miss the train!”
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor, Paul Antonio mirroring these sentiments and couldn’t send a clearer message to the Local Governments in Victoria, don’t miss the opportunity. “This project gives our Region a unique opportunity and we want to position Toowoomba to be at the epicentre of this activity. Already new investors are looking to Toowoomba as a strategic transport and logistics hub.”
Ms Anna Wyllie, Parkes Council reinforced the need for Victoiran Councils to get their planning in place, embrace and make the most of the opportunities this project brings.
The recent announcement by the opposition, proposing an independent inquiry into the MBIRP, while still declaring their support for the project, must not cause undue delay in project construction. “Freight operators are making investment decisions now, what is needed now is surety from both sides of government to see this project through to finality, Cr Price said”. The Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Alliance is seeking meetings with Ministers and Opposition to highlight the importance of this project to the nation’s future. ENDS
Media Contact: Rail Freight Alliance Chief Executive Officer, Reid Mather – 0428 772 264
