A major upgrade of the Tamworth Intermodal Rail Line is on target for delivery with the Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson today announcing $28 million for the project to support regional NSW’s freight sector, creating hundreds of regional jobs.
Mr Barilaro said this 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 NSW’s producers and businesses to the world,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This funding will restore and raise five kilometres 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.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW 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 NSW by providing a delivery point load breakdown services and an interface for road to rail integration,” Mr Toole said.
“With a projected 28% 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 NSW’s products to export markets.”
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government is investing in the infrastructure, programs and services that support industry development, improve productivity and economic growth and make regional NSW a great place to live, work and play.
“This is a huge milestone for the people, producers and businesses of Tamworth. 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,” Mr Anderson said.
“In 2016, 482 million tonnes of freight was moved in NSW 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 NSW Government to help Tamworth and regional NSW’s industry succeed.”
