Australia’s federal government has greenlit a major expansion of its inland rail network, a $14 billion project that will add over 1,200 kilometers of track to support freight movement between Brisbane and Melbourne. The expanded rail line is part of a broader strategy to divert long-haul freight from road to rail, cutting emissions and reducing wear on highways.
The new route will connect several key agricultural and mining regions, enabling faster transportation of goods to ports and distribution centers. It’s anticipated that the expansion will reduce transit times by 40%, making rail a more attractive option for industries in Western Australia and Northern Territory that previously relied on road transport.
This project has been praised by industry leaders, who see it as essential to Australia’s economic resilience. By reducing transport costs and time, the inland rail expansion will support Australia’s export markets, especially for commodities like coal, wheat, and minerals, and bolster the economy.
