A Great Day for key rail infrastructure

With the news of the $220 million Federal Government announcement and commitment to the Murray Basin Rail Project, the Rail Freight Alliance Chair, Cr Mark Byatt heralded the commitment by the Federal government to the project, and the words from the Prime Minister acknowledging “the Victorian MPs who have worked tirelessly on this project including the Hon Dan Tehan MP and a other Victorian members.” ‘This announcement is great news for the Wannon and Mallee electorates and Western Victoria, and is an important commitment to the development of key transport infrastructure for Victorian and Australia”, Cr Byatt said.

The Rail Freight Alliance has been advocating for The Murray Basin Region Transport Project over two decades. The project will standardise much of Victoria’s rail network allowing competition for rail operators and access to all the Victorian Ports.

Alliance Deputy Chair, Cr Glenn Milne, said, “This is such great news for the prosperity of the region. I do acknowledge the work of all MPs that have worked to get the funding for such an important project. I expect that further investment from the private sector once the network is standardised and upgraded to a 21 ton axle loading”

The project will allow the Maryborough to Ararat line to reopen, and the standardisation of the Sea Lake, Manangatang and Mildura lines. This allocation provides for a fully networked rail solution in the region, which the Alliance has been supporting as the best outcome.

The Alliance Executive has been working tireless behind the scenes, over many years, and more recently last month met with Hon Dan Tehan MP to emphasise the importance of this project to Victoria and the nation. “The Alliance has been a tireless supporter of rail in Victoria for many years, advocacy for investment in this type of critical infrastructure, it can be a long road, however announcements like today’s days make it worthwhile and should be celebrated.

It is fantastic to see our ongoing advocacy come to fruition. We should be appreciative that both the Federal and Victorian Governments have cooperated to deliver this important infrastructure project of the nation. The alliance members look forward to seeing the project delivered as a priority, and I thank the Alliance member Councils who have work hard the deliver key policy and transport investment outcomes over many years, a great day for Regional Victoria, for Victoria more generally, and for Australia”, Cr Byatt said.

Media enquiries to Cr Glen Milne, Deputy Chair, RFA.