Transportation Infrastructure Development for Regional areas: Implications for regions

Traditional urban development is perceived to important for the expansion of major economies. While urban centres 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 seemingly less important and thus is neglected. Globally, governments contend that their highest priorities are necessary for the ever expanding cities and their subsequent urban metropolis. However, more recently, governments have announced the development or upgrade of significant transportation infrastructure for regional areas. Not only would such a decision enhance the nation holistically, but ultimately it may also further benefit the surrounding regions. It has generally been implied that the benefits of such development outweigh the drawbacks; however, such a proposition is usually developed on a caseby-case basis. A key strategy of transportation infrastructure development in regional areas is the concept of nation building schemes or the like. As the basis of the Australian Nation building program, approximately eight billion Australian dollars will be committed to building an inland transportation infrastructure freight rail line from Melbourne to Brisbane. This inland rail project will instigate a new benchmark for long haul freight competencies, which will increase the efficiency and reliability of inland rail systems. Moreover, the proposed Melbourne and Brisbane rail project will service the export of agricultural and mineral resources from remote regions. This paper will adopt the case study methodology to investigate the Inland Rail Transportation system linking the Melbourne and Brisbane ports. In doing so, the implications for the regions adjoining this project will be explored.