A new strategic planning tool is being developed to support the $9.3 billion Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail and help regional Australians maximise the benefits of the project.
The Australian Government has announced the ‘Are you Ready for Inland Rail’ tool, the development of which will be led by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the tool will outline the information regional communities need to consider to best prepare and take advantage of the long term benefits of the project.
“The RAI has a great track record in developing strategic regional planning tools, to help regions across Australia maximise their growth and development,” Mr. McCormack added.
Regional Australia Institute CEO Jack Archer said for those regions along the Inland Rail route, being able to capitalise on the benefits it will bring is dependent on having a well planned and executed strategic plan.
“The planning tool, which every region will be able to access and benefit from, regardless of their size or resource constraints, will help communities prepare for this once in a generation opportunity,” Mr. Archer said.
Federal Minister for Regional Development John McVeigh said the Inland Rail Regional Liaison Offices will work with communities utilising the tool to take advantage of long term benefits for regions.
“Staff from the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities will be working with businesses and communities along the alignment to understand how they can make the most of this major investment in freight infrastructure,” Dr. McVeigh said.
“The long term benefits of Inland Rail for regional Australia will be most effectively led by regional communities, and this tool will help regional communities to achieve this.”
The ‘Are You Ready for Inland Rail’ strategic planning tool will be available from September 2018.
Related stories:
- Joint venture wins five Inland Rail design contracts
- Rocla wins $20M Inland Rail supply contract
- Winners fo 2018 National Awards for Local Government announced