ARTC scoping study delay to consider inland rail project

THE Federal Government is currently considering options to develop the inland railway between Melbourne and Brisbane in the most efficient and cost effective way possible, according to Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and Infrastructure Minister Warren Truss.

"This inland rail route offers a strategic opportunity to invest in nationally significant infrastructure, which would service Australia for the next 150 years," the Ministers said in a joint official release.

"It offers the prospect of significant improvements in the productivity of freight services in Eastern Australia by providing a new high performance freight rail corridor.

"Work on developing a business case and potential financing and delivery options for this project is currently underway.

"The Australian Rail Track Corporation will be an important part of developing any options on this project.

"As such, the scoping study into options for the future management, operations and ownership of the Australian Rail Track Corporation will need to be broadened to take this important strategic initiative into account.

"Consequently, the Department of Finance has decided not to proceed with the current tender processes for business and legal advisers for the ARTC Scoping Study. A new process to appoint suitable advisers will begin later this year.

"The ARTC scoping study remains on track for consideration by the Government in the 2016-17 Budget process."