Murray Basin Rail Project Receives $30 Million For Stage One

Image Courtesy of ARA

The peak body for the rail industry, the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), has welcomed the announcement from the Victorian Government to commence work on the Murray Basin Rail Project, allocating $30 million to commence Stage 1 of the project.

Chief Executive Officer of the ARA, Bryan Nye OAM, said the Project will standardise and transform Victoria’s rail freight network to meet the growing freight task and link in with the national network.

Murray Basin Rail Project

This project will see more freight move on to rail especially in Victorias agricultural regions, which are in dire need of a more efficient and reliable freight rail network, said Mr Nye.

The Project will also create greater efficiencies for rail moving in and out of Victorias major Ports helping local industries stay competitive and support producers.

The ongoing efficiency of rail in the agribusiness and mining supply chains is paramount in helping the economy and in ensuring farmers and miners can get their products to market quickly, efficiently and reliably, he said.

The Project will include converting the current broad gauge Mildura freight line to standard gauge, increasing capacity by upgrading the line to 21 tonne axle load, and provide the associated standard gauge connections across Victoria’s north western rail network.

I congratulate the Andrews Government in taking the initiative and investing in the important rail infrastructure needed so that Victoria can continue to compete in the global market place, continued Mr Nye.

I hope to see a continuation of this sound commitment for freight rail from the Andrews Government, particularly through further standardisation of broad gauge freight lines in Victoria.

I also acknowledge the Victorian Governments other important rail announcements in the past week to establish a Melbourne Metro Rail Authority and to fast-track the removal of Victorias 50 dangerous level crossings.