Victoria’s rail freight volume is continuing to rise, with the 390,000 tonnes of grain, container freight and crushed rock shifted in October 2024 up 51 per cent from the same period in 2019.
This massive increase has the equivalent effect of removing 3000 truck trips off the state’s regional roads, reducing congestion and transport sector emissions.
The modal shift is set to continue following the launch of the $104 million package to be delivered as part of the state’s 2024-25 Budget, with new rail, a crossing loop extension, three grain terminal rail extensions, and line-speed and axle-load increases between Korong Vale and Manangatang all set to be upgraded.
A new grain terminal is also being opened for rail, 15km north of Echuca at Barnes, with new connections at Tocumwal and Geelong to follow.
The Barnes grain terminal will be operated by an independent grain trader to increase rail’s status as a compelling logistics option.
“We’re making major investments in the rail freight network, supporting industry to get freight moving and boosting the economy,” Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne says.
Southern Shorthaul Railroad (SSR) also took delivery of 22 new broad-gauge high-capacity grain wagons in August, the first new-build broad-gauge rolling stock in the company’s 21-year history.
From September it increased its broad-gauge volume for LDC from 20 to 40 wagons, doubling capacity from 150,000 tonnes to 300,000 tonnes per annum and removing the need for another 3400 annual truck trips.
A total of 75,000 concrete sleepers have also been ordered for installation on the standard gauge Yelta line.
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