Jim Lloyd (Robertson, Liberal Party, Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for his question. As you would appreciate, rail is not directly within my portfolio area, but certainly I am aware that, under the AusLink proposals, the ARTC—the Australian Rail Track Corporation—have conducted that study, and I am certainly happy to do what I can to facilitate any information for you in relation to the results of that study. It is a good opportunity to point out that under AusLink we have taken over the responsibility for the upgrading of much of the main rail network, particularly in New South Wales, and to improve the efficiency, particularly in relation to rail transport for coal delivery to New South Wales ports. It is obviously something that is of great interest at the moment, given the shipping incident at Newcastle and the number of coal ships that are queued up at the Newcastle port waiting to receive supplies. I understand it is an important issue for the honourable member and I am happy to provide what information I can.

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