Works have commenced on a $16.74 million intermodal freight terminal to support the grain supply chain in the Wimmera
June 9, 2011
Works have commenced on a $16.74 million intermodal freight terminal to support the grain supply chain in the Wimmera.
Victorian Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder says the project at Dooen is vital in maintaining Victoria’s competitiveness in the grain export market and a critical element in the freight supply chain.
“The project also helps deliver the Victorian Coalition Government’s objectives to reduce rail, road and port bottlenecks and provides Victorian businesses with a competitive advantage.”
The Wimmera Mallee Region in Victoria is one of the world’s largest grain, pulse and oilseed growing regions, exporting 60 per cent of its products.
“The new terminal will enable the region to continue its valuable contribution to the Victorian economy,” Mulder says. “I would also like to thank the Australian Rail Track Corporation for its cooperation in helping to deliver this project.
“In keeping with the recent announcement of the continuation of the $5 million Rail Freight Support Package, the Victorian Coalition Government is committed to investing in our rail freight infrastructure, and committed to addressing the task of easing freight congestion on our roads.”
The Coalition Government is providing funding of $8.75 million with contributions of $750,000 from Horsham Rural City Council and $750,000 from the private sector.
The remaining funds of $6.5 million are being provided by the Commonwealth Government.
Having visited the site today, Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said the project would provide the necessary infrastructure to enable the Wimmera Mallee to more efficiently handle its grain harvest, estimated at over 2.5 million tonnes in 2010, and to meet increased global demand for its products.
“The new 23.5 hectare terminal at Dooen will provide a central location for grain storage facilities and grain export processors, improve access to freight depots, grain silos and processing plants,” Delahunty says.
“The facility will be able to process up to 18,600 containers within five to six years – more than twice the number of containers handled at the existing Horsham facility.
“This project is vital for the continued economic growth of our region, providing jobs, flow on economic benefits and allowing the continued expansion of our primary industry.
“The Horsham Rural City Council is to be commended for its commitment to this project, and the strong support provided by Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack and Buloke Shires,” he adds.