The $416 million project will overhaul rail lines across the northwest of the state
The Victorian government says a $416 million overhaul of the rail network in the state’s northwest will give grain growers greater access to the deep sea port of Portland.
The Murray Basin Rail Project will standardise a network of lines between Geelong and Mildura, and also reopen the existing standard-gauge line between Maryborough and Ararat.
The upgrades will allow for larger trains carrying more bulk product, with permitted axle loading increased to 21 tonnes.
Agriculture minister Jaala Pulford says once completed, the project would remove around 20,000 truck trips a year between Victoria’s grain fields and key ports.
“The full Murray Basin Rail Project will boost the safety, capacity and reliability of freight services and better connect primary producers to the State’s major ports,” she says.
While some parts of the project are already underway, major works are expected to begin in the second half of next year.
GrainCorp supply chain manager Matt Warrington says the investment will be welcomed by growers and traders alike.
“It’s about getting more tonnes on rail to reduce the supply chain costs, which ultimately benefits the farmers,” he says, adding that grain growers in the Swan Hill region will have a more viable freight route into the GrainCorp-managed port at Portland.
“It means the grain grown in the Swan Hill region can access Portland, and this facility is a deeper port and can take bigger ships,” he says.
The state government is hoping its federal counterpart will partner with it in funding the project, saying that will ensure faster delivery.
“This project of critical importance to the Victorian and Australian freight network and [local federal member in Mildura] Andrew Broad and the Abbott Government need to get behind [this] push to see it delivered,” Pulford says.