There’s a renewed push for the Inland Rail project to be completed, following meetings with key stakeholders in the Parkes electorate.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Bridget McKenzie joined Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and The Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey in Narromine, Dubbo and Moree last week.
The trio met with Narromine Shire Council, Fardell’s Heavy Haulage in Dubbo and Moree Plains Shire Council to discuss the need to resume work on the Inland Rail in the Narromine to Narrabri and Narrabri to North Star sections.
“This nation-building project has the potential to unlock enormous social and economic opportunities, not only in towns like Narromine and Moree, but right along the 1,600-kilometre corridor,” Senator McKenzie said.
“That’s why we want to see it built as soon as possible. We are committed as a Coalition, with The Nationals at the centre, to get this transformational project finished all the way from Beveridge to Brisbane.
“Mark has been a fantastic champion of the Inland Rail project right from the start and it’s been great hearing from communities in his patch about just how critical it is that we get on with the job.”
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the trip was a great opportunity to reinforce to Senator McKenzie the importance of Inland Rail in the Parkes electorate.
“We’ve heard loud and clear from stakeholders and councils along the alignment the absolute need to get this project back up and running as soon as possible, particularly following the bumper harvest we’ve just had,” Mr Coulton said.
“I know local contractors and businesses who invested in equipment to take advantage of the construction boom are now having to sell up and get jobs elsewhere just to make ends meet since the work has effectively dried up in my electorate.
“Rail brings wealth to a community. When completed, the Inland Rail will connect towns like Narromine and Moree to every capital city in Australia and every port.
“It will create enormous freight efficiencies, help to reduce emissions by taking trucks off the road, create jobs, stimulate business and economic activity in the regions and provide greater access to ports for our farmers and miners, ultimately reducing prices at the checkout for every Australian.
“The sooner this project gets back on track, the sooner communities in the Parkes electorate can reap the rewards.”
The Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said he’s committed to taking up the fight to ensure the Inland Rail can be completed in full.
“Mark and The Nationals have been committed to the Inland Rail project for years,” Mr Chaffey said.
“When the Coalition was in government, construction was well underway until Labor came into power and put a halt on work in New South Wales.
“Inland Rail goes through a large chunk of the Parkes electorate, and I want to reassure those communities that it’s the number one infrastructure priority for me as the candidate in the upcoming federal election.
“If the Coalition is returned to government at the next election, Inland Rail is 100 per cent go, unlike Labor’s go slow.”
During her visit to the Parkes electorate, Senator McKenzie also heard from Moree Plains Shire Council about their plans for future housing development, following last week’s announcement that 30 per cent of the Coalition’s $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Programme will be set aside for investment in the regions.
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