Alliance calls on State Government to suspend Rail Access Charges

The Alliance of Councils for Rail Freight Development has unanimously supported their submission to the Victorian State Government Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure in response to the Victorian Rail Access Regime.

“The Alliance supports in principle an open access regime, the capacity for competition, innovation and the entry of new providers must be encouraged”, says Rail Alliance Chair, Cr Geoff White. The development of new markets and investment in new technology is vital for the future of Rail in Australia.

The Alliance calls on the State Government of Victoria to suspend Rail Access Charges for a period of 5 years on the regional rail network.

Cr White stated, “Rail is the most efficient means of transporting large quantities of freight from inland to port. The Rail Freight System in Victoria needs support to grow market share”.

“While in excess of 1 Billion Dollars has been invested in Victoria’s Rail Network over the last decade, there is still more to be done. An investment in Rail is an investment in the prosperity of the Victorian and Nations’ Economy. With Victoria’s freight task set to double in less than 20 years, stronger support from governments to increase freight on rail is critical”, he said.

The Alliance submission is in response to the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure. A full copy of the Victorian Rail Access Regime Consultation Paper and the Alliance response can be accessed on the Alliance of Councils for Rail Freight Development Website at www.railfreightalliance.com