The NSW Nationals will invest more than $24 million into upgrading 96 kilometres of rail line between Gilgandra and Coonamble to help boost freight loads and lower costs. According to Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, the funding is part of the government’s $400 million Fixing Country Rail Program.
Farraway said the more efficient the supply chain is, the less it will costs Australia’s freight industry, which will ultimately reduce costs for the consumer.
“Big loads and long distances are where our rail network shines. Rail freight is the most cost-effective way to transport large quantities over long distances with one 600-metre-long train carrying the equivalent load of at least 54 trucks.”
Manildra Group National Transport and Logistics Manager Mark Owens said the investment will be a positive boost for farmers, manufacturers and exporters in getting goods to the market more efficiently.
Source: nswnationals.org.au