Government Invests $44 Million Into Narrabri To Turrawan Rail Upgrade 

The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) welcomes the Government’s announcement yesterday it will invest $44.7 million for the Australian Rail Track Corporation to upgrade 35 kilometres of the Narrabri to Turrawan Line between the Hunter Valley Coal Network and Inland Rail.

The project will deliver a corridor from Northern NSW to the Port of Newcastle capable of 25 Tonne Axle Load (TAL) trains at 80 km/h. Currently the 35-kilometre section of track is only capable of accommodating 20.5TAL and comprises steel and timber sleepers, ageing 47kg/m rail for most of the line and poor track geometry, formation and ballast in some locations, resulting in limitations on its capability.

The upgrade represents a significant benefit to agricultural producers transporting grain, cotton and other primary products from Northern NSW to domestic and export markets, as well as the opportunity to back-haul materials, supplies and agricultural inputs into the region more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Supply chains have never been more important to communities, this is evidenced in this commitment to by Government to a healthy national infrastructure program and will provide the economic platform to create jobs and provide the certainty and confidence to drive Australia’s economy out of recession.
“Investment in infrastructure combined with a collaborative approach with industry to planning for preservation of freight lands and corridors are key to a successful and functioning future economy. Providing clarity and security of the pipeline encourages investment,” says Kirk Coningham, CEO of ALC. “We applaud the Government for committing to this plan.”
The project will commence in mid-2021 and aims to be completed in 2023.

ENDS

Media contact Rachel Smith – 0433 569 301