The federal Resources Minister Matt Canavan says the coalition government has been a big supporter of the potential Inland Rail project.
An inland rail network from Melbourne to Brisbane is set to form the centrepiece of the Budget next week.
Senator Canavan has told Sky News the project would have many advantages.
Inland Rail is a once-in-a-generation project connecting regional Australia to global markets.
It will complete the ‘backbone’ of the national freight network between Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, News South Wales and Queensland. It’s the largest freight rail infrastructure project in Australia, with early construction works to commence during 2017 and is expected to be operational in 2024-2025.