April 28, 2014
Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio will represent southern Queensland’s interests in a group formed to ensure local government plays a key role in the development of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail line.
The Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Alliance (MBIRA), chaired by Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith, met earlier this month and includes local government representatives from NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
Mayor Antonio said he was pleased to be endorsed as the only Queensland member of the group’s executive.
“The Federal Government has committed $300 million in the Budget for corridor acquisition and detailed alignment of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail,” Mayor Antonio said.
“This group brings together all local governments with an interest in seeing the inland rail line developed.”
The Mayor’s appointment to the group follows a visit by Chair of the National Implementation Group, former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson, to Toowoomba in February.
“My council colleagues and I are committed to making sure the Federal Fovernment knows that Toowoomba is ready to harness the opportunities an inland rail line would bring to our region,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Now with the new MBIRA executive and the support of councils along the route, local government has a unified voice to push for the development of the MBIR.”
The MBIRA will be advocating for the rail line to be built to a modern standard, sufficient to lead a shift from long-haul road to rail, and for economic development for regions along the line to ensure commercial viability.
