The Australian Government will invest more than AUD 1 billion (USD 670.4 million) for the 8,500- ARTC rail network, helping to deliver enhanced resilience and reliability of the infrastructure.
AUD 540 million (USD 362 million) is the investment covered by Commonwealth contributions that will assist ARTC to upgrade major sections of a vast rail network which is vital to moving large volumes of containerised goods and products, including refrigerated food and essential household items, and bulk commodities like grain, minerals, and steel across the country.
The Commonwealth funding is in addition to ARTC’s own commitment of AUD 500 million (USD 335.2 million) via the corporation’s Network Investment Programme, which was developed in close collaboration with industry and shareholders.
These significant funding commitments build on the AUD 150 million (USD 100.5 million) already invested in resilience activities by ARTC over the past two years, to upgrade the existing national network.
The entire funding is part of government’s AUD 13.2 billion (USD 8.85 billion) investment in significant rail projects under the Infrastructure Investment Program over the next four years.
Investments will include the upgrade of existing crossing loops and culverts, track rehabilitation and re-railing, signalling works, and sleeper replacements.
Importantly, this funding builds on the Australian Government’s continued commitment to Inland Rail, and complementary terminal infrastructure that will ensure the rail network can respond to the challenges of the freight task increase and climate change in the future.
Each day, numerous interstate and regional passenger rail services also operate across the breadth of the ARTC rail network, who will benefit directly from this investment.
Through the 2024-2025 budget, the Australian Government will provide AUD 16.5 billion (USD 11 billion) for new and existing projects across Australia over ten years to improve productivity, liveability, and sustainability.
- AUD 4.6 billion (USD 3 billion) will be invested in 69 new projects, including:
- AUD 1.9 billion (USD 1.3 billion) for Western Sydney road and rail infrastructure;
- AUD 300 million (USD 201 million) for Metronet to deliver a capacity signalling program in Western Australia;
- AUD 50 million (USD 33.5 million) to plan for Stage 2B of the Canberra Light Rail;
- AUD 150 million (USD 100.5 million) to upgrade the Maroona to Portland Line in Victoria.
Share on:
