Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, has today released the Maldon-Dombarton Feasibility Study Issues Paper, which will help guide the next stages of the feasibility study process.

“I encourage the region’s community organisations and individuals to make the most of this opportunity and provide feedback on the benefits they think the completion of the line could bring”, said Mr Albanese.

Federal Member for Cunningham Sharon Bird said “This issues paper process aims to ensure that the region’s stakeholders and local community play a key part in the feasibility study process.

“The Maldon-Dombarton rail line retains the support of the region’s business and industry bodies, and the support of the local community”, she said.

Federal Member for Throsby, Stephen Jones, said, “The issues paper will play a major role in guiding the next stages of the feasibility study process.

“The issues paper asks a series of key questions, but the underlying issue is the adequacy of future freight transport to and from Port Kembla”, he said.

The Issues Paper covers the following topics:

• Future demand for land freight services to and from Port Kembla;


• Main type of future demand including coal, bulk freight, cars and containers;


• Capacity of existing rail way lines, including wider network constraints;


• Road capacity, including Mt Ousley, Picton and Appin Roads;


• Environmental and heritage issues, including impact on water quality, flora, fauna and Indigenous sites, and


• Cost benefit, financial, employment and funding analysis.

The closing date for submissions is the 17 December 2010.

A copy of the Issues Paper, as well as details on how to lodge a submission, can be found on www.infrastructure.gov.au.

The $3 million Commonwealth Government funded Maldon-Dombarton Feasibility Study is scheduled to be completed mid 2011.