A Game Changer

Rail Freight Alliance Chair, Cr Mark Byatt welcomed the multimillion dollar commitment from the State Government to the Mildura Line. “This is great news for the State of Victoria, particularly Regional Victoria; the Rail Freight Alliance has long advocated for up-grades to this line and this commitment from the State Government is fantastic” he said.

This is an important investment in rail infrastructure for Western Victoria; thousands of tons of product need to be transported from this region and the freight task is continuing to grow. The impact and cost to the local and state road networks would continue to increase if an investment was not made.

Deputy (and the Inaugural) Chair of the Rail Alliance, Cr Geoff White stated that, “this project has been on the agenda since we first formed in 1997”, he joined many of his Councillor colleagues along the Mildura line corridor in welcoming the funding.

“This project has the potential to be a game changer for Western Victoria”, Cr Byatt said. “The terms of trade for agriculture continue to challenge producers; Victoria needs a world class freight transport system”. The announcement from the Premier means that maintenance works continue on the line while the business case and further funding is finalised.

“The Alliance will continue to work with the State Government on this project, and advocate for Rail Freight Improvements across the state” Cr Byatt said.