A busy Ballarat intersection became safer this month following the installation of a new roundabout. 

The upgrade to the Ring Road/Gregory Street intersection in Alfredton was jointly funded by the Australian Government and the City of Ballarat.

The $1.1 million project received over $560,000 in Australian Government funding under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program and the City of Ballarat contributed $573,102 from its 2022-23 budget.

Work started in February 2023 and is now fully complete. Across all four phases of the LRCI program to date, City of Ballarat has been allocated almost $11 million to fund local road and community infrastructure priorities. 

Of nine local projects nominated under the program to date, four have now been completed.  The LRCI program is currently funding more than 9,500 projects nationwide.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King: “Programs such as LRCI are important to local communities and support local governments, especially in the regions, in funding priority infrastructure projects. This new roundabout at Gregory St and Ring Road is a fantastic example of that. 

“We’re working in partnership with City of Ballarat, and councils across Australia to deliver the upgrades that get people home safely, get people home quickly and support connected communities.” 

City of Ballarat Mayor Des Hudson: “As Ballarat grows, this important upgrade will ensure safer travel connections for motorists between Gillies Street to Link Road.
“Our investment to upgrade this intersection demonstrates that we are committed to delivering a better Ballarat.”

Federal Transport minister and Member for Ballarat Catherine King has announced the appointment of Peter Wilson to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) Commission.

The appointment of Mr Wilson (pictured above) recognises his significant operational and senior executive experience in leadership and corporate roles across the aviation sector.

Mr Wilson accumulated approximately 17,500 professional flying hours over an operational career spanning almost 30 years at Qantas Airways, along with senior leadership experience at Virgin Australia and Tiger Air.

His experience at Australian airlines has included technical managerial roles, Chief Pilot, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer.

Mr Wilson has served on a number of boards and will bring to the ATSB high levels of technical expertise, experience and credibility across the aviation industry.

This appointment ensures that the ATSB’s Commission continues to have high levels of experience across rail, maritime and air transport – the three modes of transport for which they have investigatory responsibility.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the ATSB Commission to ensure the highest transport safety for the Australian public through independent investigations and influencing safety action,” Ms King said.

The federal transport minister, Member for Ballarat Catherine King has announced the appointment of Air Marshall (Ret’d) Melvin Hupfeld (pictured above) AO DSC and Ms Nicolle Connelly to the board of Airservices Australia.

The appointment of Mr Hupfeld recognises his extensive experience in complex information systems and as a military and civilian pilot.

His depth of connections within the Department of Defence and broader government will greatly assist Airservices’ delivery of its strategic change program, including the OneSKY partnership with Defence.

Ms Connelly is an Associate Professor and Assistant Associate Dean of Aerospace Engineering and Aviation at RMIT, with an extensive history in aviation operations and safety issues across academia, government and within the airline industry, including almost 30 years as an air traffic controller and manager at Airservices. She has a comprehensive understanding of Australia’s aviation system.

Mr Hupfeld and Ms Connelly have been appointed for four and three-year terms respectively.

Together their wealth of knowledge and experience will help shape and govern Airservices Australia as it navigates future opportunities and challenges.

These appointments follow the reappointment of Ms Anne Brown to the Airservices board, along with the issuing of a new ministerial statement of expectations earlier this year.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Airservices Board to ensure Australia’s aviation industry remains among the safest in the world and a world-class leader,” Ms King said.

Airservices Australia is responsible for 11 per cent of the world’s airspace, manages Australia’s skies, aviation rescue firefighting services and helps grow Australia’s aviation industry.

The first sections of deck for the New Fitzroy River Bridge, in northern WA, are on track to be installed next month, federal infrastructure minister, Member for Ballarat, Catherine King says.

When completed, the new bridge will be around six times as strong, almost 100 metres longer than the old bridge and will include two lanes and a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.

The New Fitzroy River Bridge is funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Using an innovative engineering method, a launch pad is currently being assembled on the western side of the river from which the bridge deck will be moved into place to connect with the opposite side of the river.  

Launching the bridge deck in increments will mean construction should not be affected by rising water levels during the next wet season. This will allow the bridge to be completed even if the river is flowing.

Since early June, work has been ongoing to drive 34 piles into the riverbed to support the new bridge. Pile caps are currently being constructed on top of each set of piles to enable the columns to be put into place. Installation of the columns will commence progressively after the completion of the respective pile-caps.

Reconstruction works will also include the adjoining sections of the Great Northern Highway, which were severely eroded by flooding associated with Ex Tropical Cyclone Ellie.

As well as restoring this critical link across the Fitzroy River, the bridge project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop skills and provide new economic opportunities to those who live and work in Fitzroy Crossing and the wider Fitzroy Valley area.

Main Roads Western Australia, together with the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance, are committed to working closely with local Traditional Owners, training and skills development agencies and other third parties to ensure opportunities for local workers and businesses are maximised and the project leaves a lasting and sustainable legacy.

To date, the project has provided employment for more than 100 members of the local community, with around a quarter of total crew hours worked attributed to Aboriginal people. There has also been $7 million committed by the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance to Aboriginal-owned businesses in the Fitzroy Valley.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Member for Ballarat, Catherine King MP: “This large-scale infrastructure project, delivered in a remote part of the country, and utilising local community employment is an example of the strong collaboration and joint commitment by Commonwealth, State and local governments to the recovery of the region.

“The new bridge will also provide a critical link for the region into national supply chains, especially as we know that the area will continue to experience seasonal rains and floods.”

WA Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti: “Construction of the New Fitzroy River Bridge continues to make excellent progress, despite unseasonal heavy rainfall in late June, which required both the project’s construction causeway and the temporary crossings to close.

“From early next month, the community will start to see the segments of the new bridge taking shape, just nine months after the devastation of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie. This is an outstanding outcome and I thank all those involved in our efforts to reconnect the Kimberley.

“Importantly, this project is providing training and employment opportunities for people in the local community, with more than 100 people from the Fitzroy Valley employed on the project.”

Five new trams recently arrived on the Gold Coast as construction continues on QLD’s $1.2 billion Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 expansion, the Federal Infrastructure minister and Member for Ballarat Catherine King says.

Ms King issued a media statement as Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last week welcomed five new trams to the Gold Coast, which will be used as the light rail line is extended to Burleigh Heads.

The five new trams take the Light Rail fleet to 23 – putting the $1.2 billion expansion project on track to deliver the high frequency tram services from day one.

It comes as the Gold Coast Light Rail surpassed 73 million paid passenger trips since its opening in 2014.

The Light Rail is the only public transport mode in the state to regularly exceed pre-covid patronage levels, demonstrating strong demand from the community and tourists.

This makes Gold Coast Light Rail the model for post-pandemic bounce-backs, ahead of Sydney and Melbourne public transportation use.

Light Rail has transformed public transport on the Gold Coast, helping to create an integrated network that connects more people to more places in one of Australia’s fastest growing cities.

The five new light rail vehicles made the journey by sea to Port of Brisbane before being transported down the M1 on a 76-wheel trailer.

They will now undergo testing at the Southport depot before being absorbed into the current operational fleet.

The five new trams will feature enhanced accessibility elements, including double accessible spaces, braille signs, 20 priority seats on every tram and vertical handrails have been shifted to create wider passageways for wheelchairs, prams, walkers and other mobility aids.

Major construction for Stage 3 is underway on the Gold Coast Highway as John Holland upgrade and relocate essential underground utilities. Track laying will begin in 2024 for completion in 2025.

Stage 3 construction is expected to directly support more than 760 local jobs.

The Palaszczuk Government, in partnership with the Federal Government and the City of Gold Coast, is delivering the $1.2 billion project.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Member for Ballarat, Catherine King MP: “The demand for public transport on the Gold Coast will only grow as the population does, and it’s clear that light rail has been strongly embraced by the community.

“The arrival of new trams for Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3, plus the incredible milestone of 73 million trips, marks an exciting step for this project, where past success meets future plans.

“With the Gold Coast’s status as a domestic and international tourism must-see, this project is a prime example of the Australian Government’s 10-year $120 billion infrastructure pipeline, delivering nation-shaping projects with national significance.

“I look forward to seeing even more progress in the months to come.”

The Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct development is a step closer, with the announcement last week of the preferred bidder to build the much-anticipated project and the unveiling of proposed designs, the Federal Infrastructure Minister and Member for Ballarat says.

Catherine King MP issued a statement last Monday after Victorian Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing joined the Member for Geelong Christine Couzens and City of Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan to officially announce the appointment of Plenary Conventions to lead the project.

The Australian Government is investing $30 million in the project as part of the Geelong City Deal, with the Victorian Government contributing more than $260 million and $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong.

The project will transform the 1.6-hectare waterfront car parking site into a world-class precinct, with the construction of a purpose-built convention and exhibition space.

There will be a 1,000-seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces.

New retail spaces will feature hospitality offerings; a large public plaza will become a feature of the Geelong waterfront and a new 200-room hotel under the Crowne Plaza brand will boost local visitation.

More than 600 jobs will be created during construction, with an extra 270 ongoing jobs created once the precinct is complete – driving more economic growth and employment opportunities.

The Victorian Government is helping local organisation gforce recruit almost 30 new local apprentices and trainees who are experiencing disadvantage in entering the workforce.

These apprentices will be employed full-time for the duration of their apprenticeship and until they secure full-time employment with private contractors.

The project consortium includes Plenary Group, Built, Woods Bagot, BGIS and Quintessential Equity.

The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation is being consulted on the precinct’s design, identity and recognition of local cultural heritage.

Once complete, the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre will be managed and operated by the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Trust (MCET) that operates Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre – cementing Victoria as a premier global destination for events. Preliminary site works are underway, and construction is set to begin shortly, with the convention centre and hotel expected to be complete in 2026.

The precinct development is the centrepiece of the $500 million Geelong City Deal, a collaborative plan to transform the region by the Australian and Victorian governments, and the City of Greater Geelong.

Victorian Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing: “This project is a game-changer for a rapidly growing region, generating hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars into the local economy – once complete it will be yet another drawcard for this vibrant, prosperous and beautiful part of the state.”

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Member for Ballarat, Catherine King: “The City of Geelong has undergone significant growth in recent years. This development will build on its reputation as a business and sporting powerhouse in regional Victoria.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio Richard Marles: “The Australian Government is pleased to be contributing to what will be one of the biggest developments in regional Victoria and is expected to start soon.

“This exciting new project for Geelong will not only bring great employment opportunities during the build, but a much-needed, long-lasting venue and facility for the future of this part of Victoria.”

Queensland’s Coomera Connector project is full steam ahead with the arrival of a unique piece of construction equipment onsite on the Coomera River – a 48-metre-long piling barge named the Maeve Anne – the Federal Transport Minister and Member for Ballarat says.

Catherine King MP last week issued a media statement recording that: “The Maeve Anne has made the journey from the docks at Murarrie in Brisbane to her new home on the Coomera River, where she will assist with building the nearly one-kilometre-long Coomera River bridge as part of Stage 1 North”.

Ms King’s statement issued last Monday continued:

“The Maeve Anne will be used to build a temporary jetty on the northern banks of the Coomera River, which will be used to store material and equipment, and to move supplies and people out onto the river.

“Once the jetty is installed, works will start on building 20 bridge marine piles, which will take about six months to complete. 

“The Maeve Anne will later be joined by her sister barge, the Suzanne, which will be used in the construction of the Coomera River bridge substructure, and to install bridge girders.

“The Maeve Anne is equipped with a 250-tonne crane and piling rigs that include vibratory (vibro) hammers and a fly drill and will utilise a crew of around eight specialist marine construction workers on board and the barge.

“The Suzanne will also have its own specialist crew and is equipped with a 500-tonne crawler crane.

“Local mariners will notice some changed conditions on the Coomera River around the marine construction area, including a temporary navigation channel and reduced speed limits.

“The area will be clearly marked with buoys to ensure the safety of the project team and river users.

“The Australian and Queensland governments have committed $2.16 billion to plan and build Coomera Connector Stage 1 between Coomera and Nerang, with each investing $1.07 billion.

Major construction on the Coomera Connector started in March.

“The new motorway is expected to open progressively to traffic from late 2025, with planning continuing for future stages.”

QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk: “Every milestone in the Coomera Connector’s construction puts us a step forward in getting tourists and Gold Coast locals home sooner and safer.

“The Coomera Connector ties in with the M1, the new Hope Island train station and the broader active transport network – catering for the rapid growth this region is seeing.

“Queensland’s Big Transport Build is underpinned by transformational infrastructure like the Coomera Connector, which will change the way people travel to and from the Gold Coast.”   

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: “The Coomera Connector is a game-changer for South-East Queenslanders – it means less time stuck in traffic and more time spent with loved ones enjoying Queensland’s great lifestyle.  

“We know congestion is a significant issue for the region and frustrating for motorists, which is why we’re getting on with delivering this critical piece of infrastructure.

“Works have ramped up over the past couple of months since construction started and it is wonderful to see the new motorway construction well underway.

“The delivery of this vital piece of infrastructure is estimated to support an average of 1,000 direct jobs over the life of the project.”

Major works have started on the METRONET New Midland Station project, northeast of Perth, to deliver a state-of-the-art train station and meet community needs, the Federal Transport Minister and Member for Ballarat says.

The project will build a modern, three-platform station between Helena and Cale streets, bringing it closer to the heart of Midland’s town centre and improving connectivity to Midland Gate Shopping Centre and Midland Health Campus, says Catherine King MP.

The new station will include a 12-stand bus interchange, a multi-storey car park with more than 800 parking bays, and secure bike parking – servicing both Midland and the wider hills communities.

Initial work will concentrate on building the car park, which has necessitated the closure of the western end of the station’s existing passenger car park. The car park on Railway Parade to the east of Helena Street will also close to facilitate construction of the new station.

Once rail services are moved to the new station – expected to occur in early 2025 – the existing 55-year-old station will be decommissioned and demolished.

Preliminary designs for the new station were released earlier this year, showing a contemporary facility that reflects local Noongar culture, the industrial backdrop of the Midland Railway Workshops, and the local landscape.

The $330 million New Midland Station project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments and will be built by the Midland Junction Alliance (McConnell Dowell Constructors, Georgiou Group, Arcadis Australia Pacific and BG&E).

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: “The Australian Government has committed $3.9 billion to a number of METRONET projects to deliver vital transport infrastructure for Perth’s burgeoning suburbs to greatly improve services and travel times for local commuters.

“The METRONET partnership with the Western Australian Government will continue to boost the economy for years to come by providing long-term business opportunities, supporting the growth of vibrant urban centres through integrated transport and providing sustainable alternative transport options.”

WA Premier Roger Cook: “Our suburbs deserve top-quality public transport infrastructure – and my government is delivering for local communities.

“The New Midland Station is a significant investment into Midland’s future, providing a modern facility in the heart of the town centre, building on the unique rail heritage of the area.

“METRONET is powering ahead right across Perth, from Yanchep and Ellenbrook to Midland and Byford, with our major investment into public transport setting up our suburbs and communities for the future.”

Australia and the United Kingdom have highlighted shared ambitions for decarbonising aviation the federal transport minister, MP for Ballarat, Catherine King says.

In a media statement released earlier this month, Catherine King MP said that the Albanese Government supports the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation without constraining while still facilitating growth in the industry. 

With questions increasingly being raised about the signficant role aviation is having in exacerbating climate change, Ms King’s media statement issued on July 19 also asserts that:

“ICAO’s initiatives include the adoption of a long-term aspirational goal for international aviation of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the implementation of the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.

“In meetings this week with UK ministers, including Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Aviation, Maritime and Security), we have discussed shared ambitions and initial progress in decarbonising aviation, as well as the UK’s experience so far in encouraging an industry-government partnership approach through its Jet Zero Council.

“In meetings this week with UK ministers, including Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Aviation, Maritime and Security), we have discussed shared ambitions and initial progress in decarbonising aviation, as well as the UK’s experience so far in encouraging an industry-government partnership approach through its Jet Zero Council,” Ms King said.

“Just last month I announced the Australian Jet Zero Council, which is due to meet for the first time in August, bringing together stakeholders from across our aviation industry and its fuel supply chain to identify opportunities to decarbonise the sector.

“The Council will support Australia’s aviation industry and government to collaborate in achieving emissions reductions on the path to net zero, including through increased use of sustainable aviation fuels, adoption of emerging technologies and making operations more efficient.

“I look forward to continuing to work across government, with industry and with international partners to drive the decarbonisation of aviation and secure a greener, more sustainable future.” 

Federal transprt minister, MP for Ballarat Catherine King has highlighted joint efforts between Australia and Singapore to decarbonise shipping technology.

“Today I met with the acting Singaporean Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat, where we discussed how Australia and Singapore’s 2022 Green Economy Agreement can accelerate the uptake and promotion of decarbonisation technologies in shipping,” Ms King said in a media statement issued on July 21.

The minister’s recent statement continued:

“The Australian Government is committed to reducing emissions across all transport sectors, including by establishing a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor between Singapore and Australia to reduce maritime emissions.

“We also discussed the potential for further engagement and collaboration between our countries on low-emissions solutions for maritime and port operations.

“I am pleased to advise that my department and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore are working closely together towards deployment of these solutions in a Green Shipping and Digital Corridor in 2025.

“I took the opportunity to detail our government’s commitment to developing a Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan, which will chart a practical green transition for Australia’s maritime sector while underpinning collaboration with other nations.

“I was pleased to be able to visit the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore during my trip to examine their shipping operations and port control, leveraging from their world-leading experience in the operation of port facilities.

“We also discussed our sustainability ambitions for aviation. Under the Green Economy Agreement both countries will discuss how we can cooperate on sustainable aviation growth while reducing emissions. We will also work together in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to pursue global aviation environment initiatives.

“This includes how our two countries can help progress the long-term global aspirational goal for international aviation of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“I look forward to continuing to drive down transport emissions in Australia while being a leader and maintaining our strong overseas partnerships.”

The newly constructed State Football Centre in Queens Park has been unveiled, ahead of it taking centre stage as one of the training facilities in Perth for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Member for Ballarat, Catherine King: “I’m thrilled to see the new State Football Centre already being recognised as a world-class training facility.

“This project is a great example of the Australian and Western Australian governments working together to invest in sporting infrastructure that will not only be used by locals, but will attract athletes, matches and visitors from afar – providing a real economic boost for communities now and into the future.”

With only four days to go before Perth hosts five matches as part of the biggest women’s sporting event on the planet, the centre was officially opened on Sunday, July 16, before providing the opportunity for teams from Denmark, Canada, Panama, Haiti and Morocco to train using its world-class facilities.

The 16-hectare site includes a two-storey building with a grandstand, two competition and training pitches, on-site parking and three five-a-side playing pitches.

The $46 million investment was jointly funded by State and Commonwealth Governments, with the Cook Government making a $29.71 million contribution.

The Department of Local, Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) has been managing the development at Queens Park Open Space, with work commencing on the site in February 2022 and the centre recently reaching practical completion.

VenuesWest with Football West will co-manage the day-to-day running of the venue.

From last Wednesday, to celebrate the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, a number of iconic State landmarks have been lit up in green and gold ahead of the Matilda’s first match on Thursday night.

Football West has more than 50,000 members and now has a space in WA that the sport can call home.

Federal transport minister, the member for Ballarat, Catherine King has travelled to Birmingham by train with the UK’s Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper while gaining insights into high speed rail.

In Birmingham Ms King also met the Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street to be briefed on the UK’s HS2 (high speed rail) project.

“My trip to the UK offers important opportunities to leverage Britain’s considerable expertise to assist with delivering our high speed rail investment,” Ms King said in a media release issued last week.

The minister’s media release also stated:

“Australia and the United Kingdom share an ambitious vision for high-speed rail in our respective countries.

“The Australian Government is committed to the delivery of high-speed rail and has established the High Speed Rail Authority to oversee the development of a network along the east coast of Australia.

“The first priority of the Authority is planning and corridor works for the Sydney to Newcastle section of the network, which is backed by a $500 million funding commitment.

“The UK has had high-speed rail since 1976 and this trip offers the opportunity to draw on significant industry and government experience.

“High-speed rail in the UK was previously developed under the HS1 network. The new HS2 network aims to provide additional capacity, cut carbon emissions and provide better connectivity – all important shared priorities.

“It was valuable to hear from our British partners on lessons learnt from developing and delivering high-speed rail in the UK, and how these might apply to Australia.

“I am also meeting Dyan Perry, the chief executive fficer f HS1 wh I recently appointed as a member of the High Speed Rail Authority Board.

“High-speed rail is a project that requires time to build, making it crucial to learn about timeframe challenges experienced in the UK when delivering on our commitments at home in Australia.

“The Australian Government understands that managing stakeholder expectations is critical to the success of large infrastructure projects, with the British experience again offering important lessons.

“The trilateral meeting is part of a comprehensive visit to the UK, which also includes a site visit to the Birmingham Curzon Street terminus station of the new HS2 network and a visit to the headquarters of HS1 – the first high-speed railway in the UK.”

A funding agreement is now in place for the Australian Government’s $55 million election commitment towards upgrading international terminal facilities at Newcastle Airport.

The funding will support construction of an upgraded international terminal to increase the capacity, efficiency and effectiveness of international passenger and border processing at Newcastle Airport.

This will bolster air transport links and connectivity opportunities for the Hunter, the Member for Ballarat, federal transport minister Catherine King MP says in a media release published earlier this month.

Transforming Newcastle Airport into an international gateway will generate significant economic benefits for local and regional tourism and trade sectors.

The terminal works at Newcastle Airport are scheduled for completion in 2024.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: “My Government wants to see regional centres like Newcastle grow and prosper into the future.”

“We are ensuring that every dollar that is invested has lasting benefits for the Hunter region.”

“We understand how important tourism is to the Hunter. And these upgrades will connect the region, and its incredible products, to the rest of the world.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Member for Ballarat, Catherine King: “Making Newcastle Airport an international gateway will unlock greater opportunities for local tourism while better connecting residents to the world.”

“The project will also support significant employment and economic stimulus during and after construction, providing even more of a boost for the Hunter.”

The federal government is “getting on” with implementing its response to the recommendations in Dr Kerry Schott AO’s report, The Delivery of Inland Rail: An Independent Review the federal transport minister Catherine King MP says.

In a recent media release the Member for Ballarat, whose full portfolio is Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, said: “We are delivering on our commitment to set Inland Rail up for success by separating its governance and delivery arrangements from the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC’s) day to day operations”.

Ms King’s statement issued this month also states: On 23 June 2023, the Government issued a new interim Statement of Expectations (SoE -attached) to ARTC. In it, the Government has reaffirmed its objectives and expectations for ARTC and the future delivery of Inland Rail.

In line with the Government’s response to Dr Schott’s review, ARTC is establishing a new subsidiary – Inland Rail Pty Ltd, which will govern the delivery of the Inland Rail.

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring Inland Rail Pty Ltd has the necessary expertise and independent oversight required to deliver on the Government’s objectives for Inland Rail.

Inland Rail Pty Ltd will have its own dedicated board of directors appointed by the ARTC. The six-member board, includes the Chair of ARTC as a non-executive director. The members of the new board have been chosen for their skills, qualifications, knowledge and experience, including in the delivery of nationally significant freight infrastructure projects. 

The board of Inland Rail Pty Ltd will be chaired by Mr Robert Rust, with Ms Louise Thurgood as the Deputy Chair

The three other board members are

• Ms Erin Flaherty
• Mr James Cain
• Ms Vivienne King

Inland Rail is an important project to meet Australia’s growing freight requirements and will improve road safety and help to decarbonise the economy.

The Government is delivering on its commitment to get on with building Inland Rail, with a focus on completing the sections between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in NSW by 2027. When complete, the southern section of Inland Rail will increase resilience and improve supply chain productivity between Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Newcastle, the Illawarra and Adelaide.

The Australian Government also wishes to thank Mr Mark Campbell for his leadership of ARTC over the last 3 years, following the announcement that he will be stepping down from his roles as Managing Director and CEO of ARTC at the end of July. Dr Kerry Schott AO, as Acting Chair of ARTC, has thanked Mr Campbell for his contribution to the company through a number of difficult years. We wish him well with his future endeavours.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King: “We are making good on our commitment to act on the recommendations of the Independent Review of Inland Rail.

“The establishment of Inland Rail Pty Ltd and the updated Statement of Expectations, are examples of this Government getting on with the job to refresh the approach to delivering Inland Rail ensure it is adequately funded and resourced.

“I am confident in the direction provided by the Statement of Expectations and in the chosen Inland Rail Pty Ltd board members, who will bring valuable industry insights and expertise to ensure the Albanese Government delivers on its commitments to Inland Rail.”  

Federal Finance Minister Katy Gallagher: “The Government has established a dedicated subsidiary company with an experienced and skilled board of directors to ensure Inland Rail is appropriately managed.

The Government’s updated Statement of Expectations brings ARTC and Inland Rail in line with highest standards of governance, transparency and accountability for corporate and government-owned entities”.     

Locals and travellers driving in South East Queensland are expected to benefit from significant improvements to safety and traffic flow through Yatala with the upgrade of the Yatala South (Exit 41) Interchange now complete, the Federal Transport Minister and Member for Ballarat says.

Two of three northern Gold Coast M1 interchange upgrades are now finished, with work ongoing to upgrade Exit 49 at Pimpama, Catherine King MP says in a media statement issued last week.

To increase capacity and improve network efficiency, a new bridge was built over the M1, and the roundabouts on both sides of the interchange were upgraded to traffic signals.

The on-ramps and off-ramps have been realigned and lengthened to improve safety by reducing queuing back onto the M1.

Pedestrians and bike riders will also benefit from the upgrade, with new and improved active transport facilities included throughout the interchange.

A new pedestrian bridge has also been built across Halfway Creek to provide safe pedestrian access along Lahrs Road and connect with existing facilities.

The $82 million Yatala South (Exit 41) safety project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, which each contributing $41 million.

For more information, visit tmr.qld.gov.au/exit41, email exit41@tmr.qld.gov.au or call 1800 955 939.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Member for Ballarat, Catherine King: “It’s fantastic to see the Exit 41 interchange upgrade complete, with more than 130,000 motorists who use the M1 at Yatala each day benefitting.

“We are committed to keeping Queensland moving by investing in critical infrastructure projects like this across the state, with two of three M1 interchange upgrades now complete.

“I look forward to celebrating the completion of the third M1 interchange upgrade at Pimpama next year.”