GrainCorp has welcomed the Victorian government’s announcement of $8.5 million to upgrade state-owned rail sidings at major grain silos throughout Victoria.
GrainCorp’s regional manager for Victoria, Peter Johnston, said the investment complemented GrainCorp’s own investment of up to $80 million across key sites on the Victorian rail network.
“These upgrades will deliver improved rail efficiency for the users of GrainCorp’s open network and reduce costs,” Mr Johnston said.
“The primary beneficiaries of this investment are Victoria’s grain growers, as greater rail efficiency will unlock at least $5 per tonne that goes into their pockets through sharper prices for their grain.
“The many customers using our network will also benefit from significantly improved rail efficiency, allowing them to get Victoria’s crop to its destination as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
Mr Johnston said local communities would see a major reduction in heavy vehicle movements as around half a million tonnes of grain each year would be returned to rail.
“Investment in the government-owned rail infrastructure is critical to GrainCorp’s ability to deliver the benefits of our major ‘Project Regeneration’ initiative. We are pleased to be able to partner with the Victorian government to deliver these outcomes,” Mr Johnston said.
“We hope the Federal government will deliver similar investment in ARTC infrastructure at Murtoa and Nhill.”
Through the Government’s investment in ‘Project Regeneration’ sites will see upgrades at Warracknabeal, Beulah, Ouyen, Manangatang, Yarrawonga, Donald, Yelta, Wycheproof, Quambatook, Rainbow, Dunolly, Murrayville, Boort, Piangil, Oaklands, Murtoa and Nhill.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said: “The Andrews Labor Government is determined to get Victorian grain moving to our ports quicker, make our country roads safer and growing the export potential of our farmers.”
“Project Regen will complement investments we have made in regional infrastructure to ensure our primary produce can reap transport driven productivity growth, including $220 million for the Murray Basin Rail Project.”
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the investment would create 240 jobs and had supported significant private sector investment in our freight network.
“The Andrews Labor Government is investing in Northern Victoria to get product to port more efficiently, supporting farmers, their families and our regional economy,” Ms Allan said.
