A Merbein intermodal rail transport hub will see the addition of a containerised grain-packing facility, with the help of a $792,000 Brumby Labor Government grant, Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula announced today.
Mr Pakula said the new containerised grain-packing facility would become an additional service offered by Iron Horse Intermodal Pty Ltd, as part of the Wakefield Group of Companies.
“This new resource will be based in the Mallee wheat belt region of north-west Victoria, which is renowned for producing premium malting barley and prime hard wheat,” Mr Pakula said.
“Barley and wheat are commodities highly sought after in the Australian containerised grain export market, particularly with Asia and the Middle East.
ear, the Brumby Labor Government’s Regional Development Victoria (RDV) provided $730,000 in support to Iron Horse Intermodal for the upgrading of rail infrastructure at the Merbein site and now this further project complements this worthwhile freight transport operation.
“cility will operate as an open-door service, with low or no barriers of entry, making it very suitable for grain buyers and producers.”
Mr Pakula said the project works would see an improvement in the infrastructure and services for new and existing businesses serviced by Iron Horse Intermodal.
“This overall $1.7 million project has many benefits, including reducing the cost and improving the reliability of supply chains, managing and mitigating any adverse impacts of freight operations on the environment and optimising existing infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Pakula said the Victorian Government grant of $792,000 was provided to Iron Horse Intermodal Pty Ltd through RDV’s Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and the balance of $968,000 provided by Iron Horse Intermodal Pty Ltd.
“RIDF is a component of Ready for Tomorrow: A Blueprint for Regional Victoria, the Victorian Government’s $631 million policy to build a prosperous and sustainable future for regional and rural Victoria,” he said.