Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) | Hansard source

After over 100 years of discussion, construction is underway on the Inland Rail project by the Liberal-National government. The Australian government are confident that we have the right route, informed by multiple studies, including in 2006, 2010 and 2015, and multicriteria assessments on a number of sections. The Australian government and the ARTC have undertaken extensive consultation with the community, including with impacted landowners. The project will generate an economic and broader return to the Australian people. It is a transformative project, connecting regional Australia to new markets and transforming the way freight is moved around the country.