Budget 2017: Inland rail gets closer

IS IT true? Could inland rail really, finally, be happening? That’s the question explored in this EDITORIAL.

IS it true? Could it really, finally, be happening?

After 20 years, countless feasibility studies and plenty of promises, inland rail is the closest to reality it’s ever been, with the Federal Government promising $8.4 billion — more than three-quarters of the full cost — for the landmark project.

In the lead-up to this year’s Federal Budget, handed down last night, speculation was that the Government would stump up at about $1 billion while industry and the private sector alike argued a significant investment was needed to really get it off the ground.

$8.4 billion — is that significant enough for you?

But promising the cash is actually the easy part. The Government and Australian Rail Track Corporation must now work with the private sector, industry and regional communities to make sure it gets this right.

Many have warned inland rail could potentially become “NBN mark 2” — and that’s not a compliment, regardless of the spin the Government likes to put on its broadband network — if it stuffs this up.

It’s the biggest investment in regional Australia in a long time and behind the scenes credit is reportedly going to Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce for making happen what other Nats’ leaders have only dreamt of. It’s a legacy project — and whether that legacy is good or bad will depend on how well it’s delivered.

On the face of it there’s plenty to pleased about in this Budget if you live in regional Australia, with cash for regional rail, local councils and regional development projects locked in.

That alone tells you the Government — or at least the Nats — know where their bread is buttered, particularly as we start the trudge toward the next election.