Senator Roberts will visit Alice Springs on Monday to discuss economic opportunities for the central region from a continental rail line proposal with senior leaders.

Improved electricity, internet and water supplies would flow through the central region in an associated ‘multifunction corridor’ to a proposed rail line spanning from Queensland coalfields to Western Australia iron ore deposits for steelmaking.

“Alice Springs has been a jewel in Australia’s tourism and cultural identity, it’s time to boost its economy and local industry to match so that it’s not just waiting on Federal funding to survive.”

“The northern rail connection is a visionary project to revitalise steelmaking in Australia and tourism across the top end, providing essential supplies of life’s necessities - power, water and internet - to central Australia.”

"We can boost Alice's economy with industry and improve tourism, it just takes government getting out of the way of private enterprise to build the projects that will bring prosperity."