REBECCA PICKERING: INLAND RAIL INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE, AUSTRALIAN RAIL TRACK CORPORATION
Dec 8, 2022 | Annual Leaders Survey 2022
The tides of opportunity have combined to present Queensland with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fast-track transport infrastructure and position the state for a better future.
With a deadline in the form of the 2032 Olympics, there is a window of opportunity for industry and government to work collaboratively, and get the work started, to ensure the state can improve the daily lives of Queenslanders.
The 2032 Olympic games gives a clear finish line to deliver for South East Queensland. And while 10 years may sound like a long time, the starter’s gun has been fired, and it is now a sprint to the line to finish a multitude of infrastructure projects.
Brisbane is forging a reputation of being a major sport and events destination in its own right; having moved quickly during the pandemic to stage several Covid-impacted events such as the NRL Grand Final.
It is also starting to assemble an impressive calendar of events, which will only accelerate and provide extra economic activity for the city as international interest in Brisbane increases ahead of the Games.
In the meantime, South East Queensland’s population is projected to grow by more than one million over the next two decades, and alongside increased migration from interstate and abroad, our freight task is expected to grow significantly.
We are now in a race to fast-track and reshape our freight transport network ahead of the Olympics, so it is more resilient, sustainable, climate-independent and cost effective.
To help keep Queenslanders ‘stocked’ with the goods they need for everyday living, Inland Rail will increase Queensland’s resilience to natural disasters by providing another route to move goods to and from the state.
Inland Rail in Queensland is currently being advanced through the State Government approvals process ahead of the start of construction and the Australian Rail Track Corporation is ensuring that we will be ready to hit the ground running when the green light is given.
And even though Inland Rail was already in the pipeline ahead of the Olympic announcement its completion will begin a legacy that will serve the state for decades to come.
Inland Rail will mean billions of dollars in stimulus, jobs and long-term economic growth for Queensland – through construction, Inland Rail is expected to support more than 11,800 jobs and deliver a $7.8 billion boost to the state’s economy.
These numbers alone are worthy of an Olympic-sized celebration.