The Federal and NSW governments have co-signed an intergovernmental agreement that will see the construction of a $1.1 billion freight corridor, aimed at removing 200,000 trucks a year off the state’s roads.

 

“At present, Sydney is the biggest bottleneck on the main line between Melbourne and Brisbane.  The Northern Sydney Freight Corridor Upgrade project will ease this congestion by greatly expanding track capacity along this 160 kilometre long corridor,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese.

 

“After almost three years of detailed planning and preconstruction activities, we’ve today pressed the ‘go’ button on a project which will help keep Sydney and Australia moving.

 

“Once completed in 2016, the new infrastructure will lift the corridor’s carrying capacity by 50 per cent from 29 to 44 freight trains a day, helping to accommodate the threefold increase in interstate freight volumes that’s expected over coming years.”

 

The project is expected to cut annual carbon emissions by more than 100,000 tonnes.

 

Jointly funded by the Federal ($840 million) and NSW ($214 million) governments, the Northern Sydney Freight Corridor Upgrade will build a rail underpass at North Strathfield, lay a third track between Epping and Pennant Hills, install new passing loops near Gosford and construct a holding track at Hexham.

The 20-year Memorandum of Understanding also guarantees more freight trains better access to the corridor while continuing to prioritise the reliability of commuter services.

 

The Managing Director of the Australian Logistics Council (ALC), Michael Kilgariff has welcomed the announcement, saying it showed a welcome reversal in the trend where freight is treated as the ‘poor cousin’ when it comes to infrastructure planning.

 

“Neglecting the needs of freight in the planning process can lead to it being locked out in some sectors which adds to the cost of moving goods – a cost that ultimately flows on to consumers.


“This is particularly the case in Sydney, where passenger services are given priority over freight services.

 

“In that regard, I welcome the 20-year Memorandum of Understanding which guarantees freight trains better access to the corridor.

 

“It’s an important step that will help unlock future productivity gains in the ever expanding eastern seaboard,” he said.