Freight handling capability of Donald Intermodal Terminal set to increase significantly following substantial funding upgrade to the facility
November 2, 2009
The freight handling capability of the Donald Intermodal Terminal is set to increase significantly following the announcement of a substantial funding upgrade to the facility by the Victorian Government.
A total of $463,100 will be invested to replace the existing container handling gantry and the area it operates on resurfaced.
The funding is expected to benefit the yard operator Pea Growers Co-op greatly and allow it to expand into other grains such as wheat and pulses.
Victorian Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky says the current $73 million upgrade to the Midura rail line will increase the efficient movement of agricultural exports from Donald and the surrounding Wimmera-Mallee Region.
“The change in grain marketing brought about by the abolition of a single desk for international wheat sales has provided an opportunity for more freight to pass through the Donald Intermodal Terminal,” Kosky says.
“Combine this with an increasing preference for many of our export customers to receive containerised rather than bulk grain, and the future for the terminal looks bright.
“The new gantry will capitalise on improvements to the regional rail network, changes in grain marketing and the Victorian Governments Rail Freight Support Package.”