Mayors from Southwest Regional Economic Development (RED) today thanked Transport Minister, Hon Sterling Hinchcliffe, for listening to their calls for rail upgrades on the western line.
Southwest RED has been fighting for the upgrades for several years. Chair and Mayor of Paroo, Cr Lindsay Godfrey, said it was energising to actually see a commitment on a project they have been advocating hard for.
“Southwest RED applauds Minister Hinchcliffe for making this $2.5 million dollar commitment and understanding the importance for increased cattle freight services on the western line,” Cr Godfrey said.
The Mayor said communities as west as Quilpie will benefit from the upgrades and he will continue to work with other regional leaders to ensure rail freight is better utilised.
“It is a commonsense move to see existing infrastructure upgraded to a standard where it can be effective.
“First, we had to demonstrate to the government we wanted Oakey Beef Exports included in the freight services contract between Aurizon and the State and now we want to see not only more cattle on rail but also more general freight and we believe this is an important step to achieving this.
“Oakey Beef Exports came to our South West RED just over 12 months ago and asked for our support and we have worked hard beside them since so the announcement by the Palaszczuk government is very much applauded by western Queensland today.
“The flow on effect to the local economies of southwest and downs will now be millions.
Cr Godfrey said he is confident the decision by the state will result in increased economic activity in the southwest.
“At the end of the day, this is about jobs and economic development,” he said.
“Regional Queensland already do it tough but we work together and find solutions and collectively, as a region, we think increased activities on rail will result in jobs, not only at the processing plant at Oakey but out here with railway workers.
“When we can load cattle at Quilpie and see it in Japan within a couple of days, it is exciting and this upgrade will allow this opportunity, as well as many others.”
Cr Godfrey said he looked forward to showing Minister Hinchcliffe around South West Queensland soon, in order to thank him properly and to introduce him to the producers who would benefit from this monumental upgrade.
