THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the State Government’s commitment to upgrading the Murray Basin rail system.
Premier Daniel Andrews today announced a $416 million standardisation and upgrade of the Mildura, Manangatang, Sea Lake and Murrayville lines.
The existing unused standard gauge connection between Maryborough and Ararat would also be re-opened.
VFF grains group president Brett Hosking said the investment in the branch lines was crucial to delivering a fully integrated and efficient rail network.
“Standardising these lines and lifting their capacity to carry heavier trains, means we can haul more grain, more efficiently and at a lower cost,” Mr Hosking said.
“It’s really good news for rural communities and it is significant for rural Australia, because we haven’t seen infrastructure investment like this, since the Snowy River scheme.
“It’s nation building, in terms of the Victorian economy.
“It will bring competition, improve efficiency's and ensure faster turn around times.”
Mr Andrews said axle loading on Murray Basin freight lines would be increased to 21 tonnes, allowing larger trains to carry more product with each trip.
“By enabling more freight to be moved by rail, the project will increase the efficiency of the freight network, remove around 20,000 truck trips to the ports each year and keep our export industries competitive,” he said.
Major works were expected to commence in the second half of 2016 and 270 jobs would be created during construction.
He said the government had written to Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss, asking the Federal Government to partner with Victoria in funding the project.
The business case, which was also released today, has been sent to Infrastructure Australia for their assessment.
But opposition agriculture spokesman Peter Walsh said all the government had done was release a part-funded business case.
“The Coalition provided $220 million in the 2014/15 Budget and now Daniel Andrews is asking the Federal Government for the rest," Mr Walsh said.
“Labor’s contribution to this project so far is $0.
“This is just Labor re-announcing a Coalition project with a new logo.”
