Transportation development for regional infrastructure: Implications for Australian rural areas

Abstract

The intend of this paper is to carefully investigate and highlight the implications for remote areas when considering transportation planning for Australian regional areas. Moreover, as the basis of a case study, this paper will investigate the Inland Rail transportation system linking the Melbourne and Brisbane ports. In doing so, the implications for the surrounding regions adjoining such a project will be also explored. Such exploration is a fundamental aspect of urban development. Conventional urban development is seemed to be the most important expansion of the major economies. While the urban centers are the main source of economic activities, the regional areas also perform a significant role in aiding the nation's economy. Nonetheless, transportation infrastructure for regional areas is apparently less important and therefore is neglected. Worldwide, governments contend that their highest priorities are necessary for the ever-expanding cities and their subsequent urban metropolis. However, more recently, Australian governments have announced the development or upgrade of significant transportation infrastructure for regional areas. Subsequently, this paper reviewed the implications of the Inland as an alternative for the Australian rural areas. It was found that the Inland Rail's implications for Australian rural areas are highly complex. Nonetheless, this project will ultimately increase the short and long-term economic and fiscal stimulus of Australia's eastern states.