“Proposals for a Brisbane to Melbourne rail link are long overdue and should be supported, regardless of who is in Government. As we move towards oil reaching $200/barrel and the continued congestion of our coastal ports, this rail infrastructure project, which has long been on the drawing board, has to be brought forward so we, as a nation, can deal with immense distances and the increasing fuel cost overburden.

“With an overall distance of 1590km between Melbourne to Brisbane and a 14-20 hour trip, compared to the now 35-40 hour trip, double stacked container trains would give a vast transport advantage to all Australians as the cost of transport is a component of every consumer item.

“This is an issue I think all would be willing to support the current Government in a budgetary initiative. It should be above parochialism because it is a true vision for the future of the nation and an absolute necessity for the continued competitiveness of our export rural and mining products and cost efficiency for our consumer items.

“The straightest link between Melbourne and Brisbane does not go via Sydney and the reality is the flat country, for the cheapest and fastest rail service, is in the western plains. The cost savings would be filtered down to all consumers as transport costs are a factor of every consumer item. Therefore, it is essential this project goes forward, not just for the mining and agriculture interests along the corridor, but also for any person who selects goods from a shelf in a supermarket.

“Consumers are paying a double whammy for fuel as they have to pay for it for their own car as well as for the vehicle which transported the goods in their shopping trolley. Greater transport efficiencies create savings for the consumer which allows some easing of family budgetary pressures.

“Giving the inland corridor between Melbourne and Brisbane high speed access to ports will also give cost efficiency to the export of vital products such as coal, wheat and beef, as well as inspiring further economic development in areas where land is possibly cheaper and the start up overheads less.

“I look forward to the Budget progressing this issue otherwise, unfortunately, it will appear the Labor Government is more talk than reality.” Ends