Building blocks of 'nation-building’ Brisbane to Melbourne rail network arrive

After decades of talk and planning, the first blocks of what Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce hails as a nation-building project have been delivered.

The 1,700 kilometre Brisbane to Melbourne inland freight rail isn’t yet underway but it’s taken an important step with the first parts of the track delivered by rail to the central west of New South Wales.

About 14,000 tonnes of steel track were rolled into the red dirt for the 60 kilometre Parkes to Narromine section.

Due for completion in 2024-25, the railway track will link Brisbane to Melbourne at a cost of $9 billion.

The Government says the new network will allow products to be transported between the capitals within 24 hours, ready to be shipped around the world.

Mr Joyce said construction itself would create 16,000 jobs.

But the real benefits, he said, would come when finished, bringing new businesses, jobs, and wealth to the towns and regions along the route and providing a “catalyst” for flow-on benefits.

The Government also hopes decreasing the number of heavy trucks on the highways will help combat the nation’s growing road toll.

Construction work is due to begin in May.

Before welcoming the arrival of the new tracks, the Deputy Prime Minister farewelled the Elvis Express, packed full of Elvis impersonators who’d made the annual trek to Parkes from Sydney to celebrate the life and times of the King.