Image: Federal Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government, Mr Mark Coulton and Narrabri Shire Mayor, Cathy Redding

Narrabri Shire Council has welcomed the recent announcement from the Federal Government that it sees effective and efficient connectivity of the Council driven Northern NSW Inland Port as a high priority.

The Federal Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government, Mark Coulton, was in Narrabri to announce a fast-tracked investigation into Narrabri’s rail interfaces with the Inland Rail under the recently established $44 million Inland Rail Interface Improvement Programme.

Narrabri Shire Council Mayor, Cathy Redding said that this announcement will ensure that the Northern NSW Inland Port will be the key freight and logistics centre of Northern NSW.

The Northern NSW Inland Port is situated 7km from Narrabri, is a 240ha site and will attract 1,000 new jobs to the Narrabri region.

This announcement and subsequent investigation will cement the Northern NSW Inland Port as the epicentre of freight, manufacturing and logistics in Northern NSW.

Mayor Redding was all smiles at the announcement and was quick to thank the Federal Government for their strong ongoing support of the vision for the Northern NSW Inland Port.

“We thank the Federal Government for its support and realisation that the Northern NSW Inland Port has the potential not only to dominate northern NSW freight and logistics but also play a significant role in national supply chains.

“Council looks forward to working with the Federal Government on ensuring that the rail interfaces at Narrabri and the Northern NSW Inland Port are as effective and efficient as possible.” concluded Mayor Redding.

Council’s General Manager, Stewart Todd said interest in the Inland Port has been high and only looks to be further intensifying.

“Council had taken a number of enquires since the most recent Inland Rail conference held in August, but since the recent release of the Inland Port Prospectus interest has sky rocketed.

“I can honestly say I am not surprised. The Inland Port is the prime location for any and all business that operate on and require a strong and efficient freight supply chain.”

The Northern NSW Inland Port has and continues to attract significant investment interest. Perdaman have announced a $1.2 billion investment at the Port and this is only the beginning.

Interested investors and businesses should contact Council on (02) 6799 6866 or via email on council@narrabri.nsw.gov.au.

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