The Brumby Labor Government has completed a $100 million works package to upgrade several regional rail freight lines to deliver more efficient freight links and locking in the prosperity and the viability of many small regional centres.
Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula said the Brumby Labor Government had completed upgrades of all gold and silver freight lines recommended in the Rail Freight Network Review, led by the Hon Tim Fischer AC.
"The Mildura Rail Freight Upgrade has been completed along with upgrades to all silver freight lines, including Ouyen to Murrayville, Quambatook to Manangatang, Charlton to Sea Lake and Warracknabeal to Hopetoun," Mr Pakula said.
"As a result of this $107.4 million investment, rail operators can now provide more efficient rail freight services and means more than 70 per cent of this year’s Victorian export grain harvest will be carried on rail as well as about 60 per cent of containers between Mildura and the Port of Melbourne."
Mr Pakula made the announcement in Beaufort today where he met with local government leaders from across western and north-western Victoria to update them about the progress of regional rail projects.
Chairing his first meeting of the Goldfields-Wimmera-Mallee-Sunraysia Rail Projects Consultative Forum, Mr Pakula said the Brumby Labor Government was taking action to improve freight and passenger rail services in the region.
"It’s an exciting time for rail in north-west Victoria and this forum is playing a critical role in keeping communities throughout the region informed about these projects," he said.
"Continuing dialogue with local councils throughout the planning and delivery of freight and passenger rail projects is important in helping promote the benefits of the projects locally and identifying opportunities to leverage regional development off these transport investments.
"The Rail Forum meets approximately every four months and provides an opportunity for high-level engagement with local government on the development and roll-out of rail projects in the region."
It comprises mayors and chief executives of Ararat Rural City, City of Ballarat, Horsham Rural City, Mildura Rural City, Swan Hill Rural City and the shires of Buloke, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra, Hepburn, Hindmarsh, Loddon, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack.
Today’s meeting received updates on local region freight network upgrades, the Government’s level crossing program, and the imminent return of passenger rail services to Maryborough.
Mr Pakula also announced Brumby Labor Government funding of $20,000 for Swan Hill Rural City Council to undertake a regional transport study.
"The study will map freight movements and emerging new supply chains, such as grain and livestock in the Swan Hill region, inform transport network planners and industry of these trends, and help the region leverage the Victorian Government’s investment in transport infrastructure," Mr Pakula said.
"In developing the study, Swan Hill Rural City Council will consult with neighbouring councils that share similar freight tasks and challenges."
Mr Pakula also encouraged communities in north-west Victoria to participate in the Government’s upcoming community consultation sessions on transport needs in the region.
"The five consultation sessions are part of the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to look into the transport needs of communities in the north-west," he said.
"The sessions will seek input on topics such as current travel patterns, main travel destinations, preferred travel modes and preferred travel improvements."
Community consultation sessions will be held from 6.30pm to 9pm in:
· Birchip – Tuesday 9 March;
· St Arnaud – Wednesday 10 March;
· Swan Hill – Monday 15 March;
· Ouyen – Tuesday 16 March; and
· Mildura – Wednesday 17 March.
People wanting to attend one of the sessions must RSVP by emailing rsvp@shj.com.au or phoning 1800 735 778.