The North-South Corridor Study

[ozbob]

The North-South Rail Corridor Study has comprehensively examined the adequacy, given the current major infrastructure investment programme, of the existing Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane rail corridor to meet future freight demand. The study examined different options, including possible enhancements to the coastal line, as well as alternative inland routes. Key issues included infrastructure links, engineering, environmental, urban and regional planning issues. A financial and economic analysis was also undertaken on each of the route options.

Documents on this study may be found here
http://www.auslink.gov.au/publications/reports/north_south_corridor.aspx

Minister's media release here
http://www.ministers.dotars.gov.au/wtr/releases/2006/September/146WT_2006.htm

[ozbob]

I have just completed an interview on ABC Radio Western Plains and Central West (NSW) where I was able to add RAIL Back On Track's support for an early completion of the Inland Railway, ie. back up the Parkes Rail Forum held earlier this week in their call to bring forward the completion date from 2019 to 2014 or earlier.

I think in the final analysis it is up to the Shires and Residents impacted directly to lobby for the final route.  Suffice to say the Farwestern Sub-Corridor via Junee Parkes, Narromine, Conamble Burren junction, Moree, North Star, Goondiwindi and Toowoomba,  or the Central Inland Sub-Corridor - via Junee, Parkes, Dubbo, Werris Creek, Armidale, Tenterfield and Warwick;  are the two stand out options.

Either one of these would be a great boost to western/central NSW and afford the Nation sustainable transport solutions for the future.

Regards
Ozbob