TSBE CEO urges Anthony Albanese to progress proposed Inland Rail

A Toowoomba CEO has urged Australia’s new PM to “get on with it” as 300 businesses await proposed project. Details here.

A Toowoomba organisation has called on the newly elected Federal Government to not forget about a nation-building project that could bring billions into the Darling Downs.

TSBE CEO Ali Davenport has said enough research and analyse has been done into the Inland Rail project, and its time to progress to the next stage.

“All the studies we have seen has shown the benefits to the ag producers, so we trust that and it shows significant benefits,” she said.

Map of Inland Rail route This map provides an overview of the Inland Rail project alignment between Melbourne and Brisbane. The map includes summaries of each project section and shows details of which sections involve new track or the upgrade of exisiting track.

“This project is expected to deliver a $7.3 billion economic injection to Queensland and create over 7,000 jobs, it will mean lower transport costs and a whole new industry of transport and logistics for our region.

“TSBE has over 300 businesses registered on our Inland Rail Suppliers Portal who are ‘Inland Rail ready’ and capable to work on these works packages.

“We’ve had five reviews into the route, we’ve already had multiple studies into the flood plain … at some point we have to trust the science and we have to get on with it.”

Ms Davenport said while she understands reviews and studies are yet to be finalised, such as the ARTC’s Environmental Impact Statement, she hoped the Inland Rail can soon pull into the next phase of the plan.

The Inland Rail project will be a great benefit for South East Queensland, particularly in terms of reducing road transport pressure.

“Construction should have been underway in Queensland two years ago and the costs are increasing because of it,” she said.

“Our freight task is only increasing across Australia and without Inland Rail the situation on our roads will become even worse.”

“It is critical that the route go via Toowoomba so that our agricultural sector has access to reliable freight transport, particularly for our primary producers.”

“Faster passage of goods to ports will reduce costs, ensuring our producers are more competitive nationally and internationally.”

Despite growing concerns for landowners, Ms Davenport has said she and TSBE are in full support of landowners and impacted businesses received “adequate compensation”.

“These are businesses, and they’re no less businesses than others,” she said.

“At some point it will have to be built, and the best time to build a nation-building project is now … So let’s get on with it.”