Melbourne to Brisbane rail link a step closer
A major funding boost has been announced to improve the North East rail line.
Deputy PM Michael McCormack announced that the Federal Government had signed an agreement with the Andrew's Government, to further advance the Inland Rail Project.
On completion, the Inland Rail Project will create a direct rail freight connection between Melbourne and Brisbane capable of moving double stacked freight containers.
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GoogleVET:Federal budget 2017: Cathy McGowan says North East rail funding was 'beyond my wildest hopes' - The Bord… https://t.co/q8f3xV5tOh
— VocEdAustralia (@VocEdAustralia) May 9, 2017
The extra money also means the track will be able to take VLocity trains, which will mean newer carriages.
These upgrades will also enable faster running times for the twice-daily service between Sydney and
Melbourne.
Other improvements as part of the North-East Corridor Upgrade include funding to plan the Shepparton freight network upgrade.
TWITTERTALK
We've been waiting a while for the money to come through from the Federal Government. And guess what – THEY'VE OFFICIALLY SIGNED UP.
— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) March 15, 2018
We’ve listened. Fix the rail, give us better & more services. The Coalition Government: $135 million boost to the North-East Rail. We’ve delivered. pic.twitter.com/wu4dZ6n2Tt
— Michael McCormack MP (@M_McCormackMP) March 16, 2018
According to Jaclyn Symes, Member for Northern Victoria, The $1.57 billion Regional Rail Revival program will also create more than 1,000 jobs across the state, boost local economies and deliver opportunities for suppliers.
Victorian Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan has secured an additional 135 million dollars to upgrade the North East Line to a class 2 standard.
— Mia Egerton-Warburto (@MiaEgerton) March 16, 2018
The funding comes as part of 1.7 billion dollar Regional Rail Revival program.
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