Queensland Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce has welcomed news reports today that $120 million has been earmarked for the Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail link in tomorrow's budget.

"Australia must take the reality of its geography seriously. The simple physics is straight lines are quicker than curves and cover less distance.

"Locomotives move more than trucks.

"This is a key strategic development the National Party has had as its policy for years because of its belief that the investment of infrastructure in the nation is crucial to the wealth of all.

"Many families driving their car along the coast on holidays will be happy to know of the pressure that is being released by getting trucks off coastal roads and moved inland on far more pragmatic routes.

"Conjointly with this investment in infrastructure is a statement of decentralisation by the Coalition and this issue has been a core of National Party ethos from its inception.

"Obviously the ability to invest in this imperative for our nation has come about because we have the money to spend without having to go into hock to do it.

"This will not be paid off by the Australian people and those people's children over the forthcoming years – it is already paid for.