Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton MP, has slammed Labor’s decision to scrap the delivery of Inland Rail, accusing the Government of dodging accountability for years before walking away from the project.
Reports today show plans to build the new freight corridor across its entire proposed length of 1600 kilometres will be dumped ahead of the budget.
“This is more than disappointing, this is devastating for our region,” Mr Hamilton said.
“I have warned time and again that the Albanese Labor Government has not taken Inland Rail seriously and today’s reports confirm that.
“Labor has walked around questions on the delivery of Inland Rail for years. To now drop it suddenly, and without transparency, is an absolute slap in the face to our community.
Mr Hamilton said the decision would hit the Darling Downs hard, putting jobs, investment and local industries at risk.
“This decision rips the heart out of a project that communities like ours have planned around and relied upon.”
“The delivery of Inland Rail to our region is critical.
“It is critical to our freight network, our agricultural sector, and the long-term strength of our economy, and Labor is prepared to walk away from that.”
“This means fewer jobs, lost opportunity, and more trucks forced back onto already stretched regional roads.”
Mr Hamilton has formally requested an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister.
“The Prime Minister must front up and explain how a decision of this magnitude has been made behind closed doors,” he said.
“I have asked for an urgent meeting because our region deserves answers – and they deserve them now.”
ENDS.
Media Contact: Greta Dwan 0414 211 908