Flynn MP Colin Boyce wants Inland Rail extended to Gladstone

The LNP’s Colin Boyce has slammed a move which would delay the extension of Inland Rail to Gladstone, which he says has been “analysed to death”. Here’s when the project could be complete.

Central Queensland’s new representative in Canberra has rubbished calls for further reviews into the Inland Rail project and urged the government to extend the line to Gladstone’s port.

LNP Flynn MP Colin Boyce has slammed calls for more community consultation into the massive infrastructure project and taken aim at the Gladstone Regional Council mayor in what he claims is a failure of leadership.

Mr Boyce called out GRC mayor, Matt Burnett who also serves as vice president of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), for not opposing a motion at last week’s national assembly which could see further delay to the project.

The Inland Rail track extension to Gladstone would see Emerald transformed into a major freight hub. Picture: Supplied

A motion proposed by the Wagga City Council to undertake more community engagement was passed unanimously but Mr Boyce says the multi billion dollar project has already been “analysed to death”.

“While the Mayor of GRC is happy for more delays, I say let’s build the Inland Rail to Gladstone as soon as possible,” Mr Boyce said.

“The numerous studies that have been undertaken on the Inland Rail project has shown that it will transform how goods are moved around Australia, generating opportunities for the regions and the economy including in the Flynn electorate, now and well into the future.”

LNP Flynn MP, Colin Boyce (left) calls on urgent action to approve Inland Rail extension to Gladstone. Picture: Supplied

But Mayor Burnett hit back at Mr Boyce’s comments saying he was “surprised” anyone would oppose more voices being heard.

“Everyone knows I have supported building inland rail to CQ for many years and no one wants to see this project happen more than I do,” Mr Burnett said.

“Further consultation is absolutely required particularly with the residents between Toowoomba and Brisbane many of who oppose the project going to Brisbane.

“Their opposition only strengthens the case to build Inland Rail to the Port of Gladstone.”

Matt Burnett has said concerns about the projects impact on the southeast only helps calls for the project to run to Gladstone’s port. Picture: Supplied

Construction of the project, delivered by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), commenced in 2018 and is expected to be completed by 2027.