Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Linking the north with the south

Speaking at the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory's annual conference in September, Jane Mundy, from the AustralAsia Railway Corporation, said, in spite of some skepticism, the $1.2 billion rail link from Alice Springs to Darwin will happen.

"The survey work has been completed and design work started," she said.

"It is not just a railway but a rail/port link that will provide a new and faster route for trade between Australia and Asia using the new deepwater port in Darwin." Jane Mundy said that the project will generate enormous economic and social benefits to the Territory.

"It will increase the skills base and deliver a freight network for the 21st century," she said. "By 2003, we will have a transcontinental route from Adelaide to Darwin, providing seamless shipment door to door."

By 2010, it is estimated that 100,000 containers will be handled each year. In addition, to boost tourism the Ghan will run through to Darwin.

A Northern Territory and South Australian Government initiative, this project has gathered a consortium of private sector partners to build and run the railway. With $480 million provided by the Federal, Northern Territory and South Australian Governments, the remaining $750 million has come from the private sector. Three years to construct, track work is scheduled to commence in July next year. Sleeper factories to be established in Katherine and Tennant Creek are $16 million projects that will inject funds and employment opportunities into these local economies.

Training and employment opportunities will provide long term skills, and include an aboriginal employment and training program.

"The environmental impact study covers noise, dust, sacred sites and rehabilitation of the corridors," Jane Mundy said.

"Extensive consultation with Councils and communities, and a public education campaign are taking place."

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