Townsville link alignment under consultation

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Rail Express --> Townsville link alignment under consultation

Community consultation will soon begin on the proposed alignment of the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor, which will allow trains up to 1,400 metres long to access the Port of Townsville.

Inspecting the potential TEARC site on Monday, June 26, state minister assisting the premier on North Queensland Coralee O'Rourke said Townsville business owners deserved more opportunities to grow and thrive.

"While our current rail line has served our community well, we have now reached a point where local businesses and suppliers are missing opportunities to move freight because of limitations," O'Rourke said.

"We know TEARC is a massive project for our region, with a proposed freight line to connect the existing rail line from Mt Isa into the Port of Townsville, opening up more opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.

"That's why the Palaszczuk Government has committed to progressing the detailed business case for TEARC, in partnership with Council and the Commonwealth, through the City Deal."

The detailed business case is being developed by independent statutory body Building Queensland and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

The proposed corridor would branch off from the North Coast Line at Cluden, south of Townsville, running parallel to the Port Access Road into the port.

Infrastructure Australia has the upgrade of the Mount Isa to Townsville rail corridor – which includes the TEARC – listed as a medium term priority initiative, in the business case development stage.

"This rail corridor will be a part of our community for generations to come, so I encourage locals to come along to one of the information sessions and have your say on our city's future," O'Rourke said.

"Townsville needs long-term infrastructure solutions to support local jobs and keep up with demand in our region."

Community information sessions are being held on June 28 and 29 in Townsville. More information is available on the Building Queensland website.