The Port of Brisbane PL has conducted a study that seeks to connect the port via dedicated rail to the Inland Rail project, with findings returned that it could add AUS820 million (US$562 million) in economic social and environmental benefits per year. 

The ‘game-changing’ project, which would separate the existing shared passenger and freight rail networks, would provide a dedicated link from the Inland Rail project to the Port of Brisbane.

"A dedicated freight rail connection has already been acknowledged by all levels of Government as a key priority, and it is viewed by industry as a game-changer for the Queensland economy."

The study by Deloitte Access Economics found a 30% rail modal share to the Port of Brisbane by 2035 could deliver:

• 2.4 million fewer truck movements

• Around AUD820 million(US$562 million) in economic, social and environmental benefits each year

• An average of 1,200 new jobs each year to 2045

• AUD195 million (US$134 million) in reduced congestion costs to the economy

• AUD155 million (US$106 million) in reduced road maintenance costs

• AUD215 million (US$147 million) in savings from reduced greenhouse gas emissions

• AUD210 million (US$144 million) in increased international export value

• Savings of AUD130 (US$89) per TEU (twenty-foot equivalent shipping container)

• An AUD5.4 billion (US$3.7 billion) increase to Gross Regional Product over the period to 2045