The New South Wales Government has committed $28 million for the delivery of the Tamworth Intermodal Rail Line, which is set to support hundreds of regional jobs.
New South Wales Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, said the investment will fund works to reinstate a section of non-operational railway line, support the development of an intermodal rail facility in Westdale and link Tamworth to the state’s major port.
“This significant investment is key to the development of the new intermodal rail hub that will better connect Northern New South Wales’s producers and businesses to the world,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This funding will restore and raise 5km of track on the West Tamworth to Barraba line and install new level crossings to activate rail freight access to Tamworth’s new Regional Freight Terminal.
“When complete, a functioning intermodal rail hub and freight terminal in Tamworth will create a direct rail route to vessels docked at Port Botany, saving businesses significant freight costs.”
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said the State Government was investing in the rail freight network to increase capacity, secure reliable freight movements across the state, and meet future freight demand.
“Inland intermodals are an integral part of moving freight throughout New South Wales by providing a delivery point load breakdown services and an interface for road to rail integration,” Mr Toole said.
“With a projected 28 per cent increase in the regional freight task by 2036 from just four years ago, facilities like the one at Tamworth will play an increasingly important role in connecting New South Wales’ products to export markets.”
Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, said the New South Wales Government is investing in the infrastructure, programs and services that support industry development, improve productivity and economic growth and make regional New South Wales a great place to live, work and play.
“This is a huge milestone for the people, producers and businesses of Tamworth,” Mr Anderson said.
“The Tamworth intermodal will make the city the freight capital of the New England and North West and drive enormous investment and job growth locally.
“In 2016, 482 million tonnes of freight was moved in New South Wales and with that volume expected to increase to 618 million tonnes by 2036, this project is one of the big picture infrastructure investments delivered by the New South Wales Government to help Tamworth and regional New South Wales’ industry succeed.”
Australasian Railway Association Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Wilkie, said the project would support jobs in the region and ensure the critical rail line project could be delivered.
“Intermodal hubs are absolutely crucial to improving productivity in the freight sector and today’s announcement is a welcome boost for regional New South Wales,” Ms Wilkie said.
“This is an important step towards delivering a facility that will get more freight on rail and better connect New South Wales producers with their suppliers.
“The new facility will ultimately provide a direct connection between northern New South Wales and Port Botany, taking trucks off our regional roads and reducing congestion in Sydney.”
