Tamworth Intermodal Rail Line funding welcomed by ARA

It is believed that $28 million in NSW Government funding would be used to reinstate a section of non-operational railway line to support the delivery of the intermodal facility. In turn, it 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 NSW,” said Carline Wilkie, Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA). “This is an important step towards delivering a facility that will get more freight on rail and better connect NSW producers with their suppliers. The new facility will ultimately provide a direct connection between northern NSW and Port Botany, taking trucks off our regional roads and reducing congestion in Sydney.”

The funding announcement will restore and raise 5km of track on the West Tamworth to Barraba line and install new level crossings to facilitate freight access to Tamworth’s new regional freight terminal.

It will help prepare for the expected 28 per cent growth in the regional freight task by 2036.

Caroline said the ARA’s Rail Freight and Ports Strategic Plan released earlier in 2020 highlighted the need for increased investment in the rail network: “Australia’s freight task is set to keep growing and it is essential the rail sector is ready and able to meet that demand. This project will help regional NSW realise new opportunities to grow and develop, providing local businesses with better access to trading partners across Australia and beyond.”