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As $4 million worth of maintenance work kicks off on the North East Line this weekend, ARTC CEO and Managing Director John Fullerton welcomed the agreement between the Federal Government and Victorian Government announced this morning regarding Inland Rail and the North East Rail Line in Victoria.
“I thank the Victorian and Federal Governments for coming to this agreement swiftly,” Mr Fullerton said.
“With Inland Rail progressing and now an increased scope for improvements to the North East Rail Line, ARTC is keen to get going on this vital work for Victoria as soon as possible.
“We will expand the existing $100m work program to include additional works to complete the $235 million upgrade of the north east line.
“We know this is important to the community and once we finalise the scope with Victoria we will commence community engagement along with the Victorian Government as a priority.
“The objective remains to improve the resilience, reliability and ride comfort of the North East Line.
Mr Fullerton said with Inland Rail steaming ahead to construction in Victoria in 2020, the region was set to start seeing benefits of the once in a generation project.
“We are about to launch into an intensive period of consultation and are doing some preliminary geotechnical work in the corridor this weekend.
“Inland Rail will have a strong positive impact on the Victorian economy, helping entrench Victoria as a freight, logistics hub for the nation.
“In North East Victoria you will have fewer trucks to battle on the Hume Highway, direct investment, over 1000 jobs during construction and more trade opportunities for the community.
“Inland Rail is an essential link to support the nation’s growing population and we are getting on with it.”
ENDS
Media Contact: Laura Brice, 0438 668 073