Two business groups are speaking out before the federal budget to say that Budget support is the "best chance" the Inland Rail project has of moving into the construction phase.

Michael Kilgariff, Managing Director of the Australian Logistics Council (ALC), is crossing his fingers before the budget is released.

"It is already clear that infrastructure development will be a central theme in this year's document," Kilgariff told Logistics and Materials handling magazine.  "This project is a long-held priority for ALC, as it is for many in the freight and logistics industry.  That's why it was a core focus of ALC's pre-budget submission."

Australia's need for Inland Rail investment is also a major issue for the Australasian Railway Association (ARA).  The group's CEO Danny Broad says the demand is already there.

"Inland Rail will increase Australia's GDP by $16 Billion.  It is profitable from day one - for every $1 the Commonwealth invests there is a return of $2.60 to our economy," said Mr. Broad.  "Inland Rail will inject 16,000 jobs at its peak, retaining 700 jobs every year over the life of the project.  Inland Rail will reduce congestion on our roads with fewer heavy vehicle movements and improve our nation's environmental sustainability."

The Inland Rail project is expected to receive an allocation of $1 Billion in the Federal Budget.