INLAND RAIL ALIGNMENT STUDY UNDERWAY
Source: Australia. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,Regional Development and Local Government. Media Release
"The Rudd Labor Government has commissioned an open, extensive study to determine the economic benefits and likely success of a new multi-billion dollar standard gauge inland railway between Melbourne and Brisbane.
We have asked the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to conduct the study - setting aside up to $15 million to ensure this important work is completed by August 2009.
At present, the only north-south rail corridor in eastern Australia runs along the coastline via Sydney. An inland route through the Central West of NSW has the potential to slash the time it takes to move freight from Melbourne to Brisbane by rail from 36 hours to just 21 hours."

A NEW ERA IN 'NATION BUILDING' BEGINS TODAY
Source: Australia. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,Regional Development and Local Government. Media Release
"Parliament today approved the establishment of Infrastructure Australia - a new national body that will develop a strategic blueprint for unlocking infrastructure bottlenecks and modernising the nation's transport, water, energy and communication assets.
The establishment of Infrastructure Australia confirms and builds upon Labor's tradition as a nation building party - and delivers on an election pledge.
With today's successful passage of the Infrastructure Australia legislation through the Parliament and our earlier confirmation that Sir Rod Eddington will become its inaugural chair, the Rudd Labor Government is getting on with the job."