Australia is investing in rail freight infrastructure to increase the volume of freight that can be transported by trains and ensure rail freight continues to provide a competitive alternative to road transport. The Australian Government is progressing planning for the A$10 billion Melbourne-to-Brisbane inland rail project, committing an additional A$593.7 million for continued preconstruction works and land acquisition in the 2016-17 Budget, bringing the total Australian Government commitment to A$893.7 million. While preconstruction activities continue, the Australian Government will test the market to examine ways to optimise private-sector involvement in delivering inland rail. This is expected to occur in late 2016 and early 2017.