A joint submission by the Central NSW Joint Organisation (CNSWJO) and Regional Development Australia Central West (RDACW) to the NSW Parliament's inquiry into the Inland Rail project and regional New South Wales has highlighted the reinstatement of the Blayney-Demondrille Line as infrastructure that will allow regional communities to benefit from the project.
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The submission made by CNSWJO Chair, John Medcalf, and RDACW Chair, Ruth Fagan highlighted a number of important issues.
These included the reinstatement of the line and connectivity into Sydney on both road and rail, connectivity to Canberra and connectivity between the Hume and Newell.
Their submission also identified grade separation in Forbes as an important investment stating: "It would be a travesty if the economic value of Inland Rail comes at the expense of the economic prosperity of any rural town".
"Inland Rail must look at better grade separation and potential alternative routes," it read.
The submission recommended road funding and Federal Assistance Grants (FAGs) for local government be investigated.
"The biggest constraint for the broader region in Central NSW is linking the two Wests - the Central West to Western Sydney," the submission stated.
"At the moment there are two slow, freight inefficient roads and one slow freight constrained rail linkage.
"While this region appreciates the $2.5m spend on the Greater Western Highway and the ongoing incremental improvements to over taking lanes and safety on the Bells Line, to realise the opportunity of Inland Rail, transport costs between Sydney and Parkes must be reduced."
The inquiry will continue with hearings.
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Matthew Chown
Some of my favourite memories growing up are of picking up a newspaper and learning about the world. This inspired me to become a journalist and tell local stories with a passion. Email: matthew.chown@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Some of my favourite memories growing up are of picking up a newspaper and learning about the world. This inspired me to become a journalist and tell local stories with a passion. Email: matthew.chown@austcommunitymedia.com.au
