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Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is seeking industry input into the development of the Hunter Valley Corridor Capacity Strategy for 2009 to 2018 which was made public today.
ARTC CEO, David Marchant, explained that the Capacity Strategy provides the road map for ARTC’s investment in the Hunter Valley rail network to accommodate projected growth in coal volumes till 2018.
“Boosting the capacity of the Hunter Valley rail network is vital if we are to meet the projected increase in world demand for coal produced in this region. Growth in the Hunter Valley coal network is also crucial in assisting the Australian economy in its recovery.”
“The Hunter Valley Corridor Capacity Strategy provides the framework for the identification and development of projects in the corridor and documents the assumptions and methodology used by ARTC for its capacity assessment,” Mr Marchant said.
“The importance of developing the Hunter Valley Corridor dictates that the coal industry has input into the direction of infrastructure investment in the region,” he said.
Key features of the updated Strategy include:
- A 10-years assessment of potential requirements.
- Significant additions to the scope up to 2013 including:
- Nundah Bank Third Road;
- An option for a common user Provisioning Centre;
- Two arrival or holding roads in the terminals area;
- Five additional loops on the Ulan line;
- Bylong Tunnel Ventilation; and
- One additional loop extension on the Gunnedah basin line.
- Total 5-year investment, if agreed to by the Coal Industry by ARTC estimated at $1,414 million.
“The value of the identified projects represents a significant commitment for both ARTC and the industry. I want to ensure that the industry fully understands and supports the strategy which is why we are asking for their input,” Mr Marchant said.
Any comments you have on the Strategy should be provided by 14 August 2009.
Further copies of the strategy can be downloaded from ARTC’s website, www.artc.com.au under ‘Investment Strategies’.