The Victorian government has approved a new on-dock rail to be built at the Port of Melbourne.
Port of Melbourne Operations will invest $125 million in new rail infrastructure.
The Port of Melbourne will introduce a $9.75 per twenty-foot equivalent unit charge on imported containers and the funds raised from the charge will directly deliver new sidings and connections for the rail project.
Improving rail access to the Port of Melbourne is a legislated condition of its lease, aiming towards a wider push to expand rail freight across Victoria.
The Labor Government said in a statement they are “also supporting the Port Rail Shuttle Network connecting freight hubs in Melbourne’s north and west to the port, new intermodal terminals planned at Truganina and Beveridge, new automated signalling for faster rail freight to GeelongPort and improvements in the regional rail freight network”.
“On-dock rail will make rail transport more competitive, cut the high cost of the ‘last mile’ and reduce truck congestion at the port gate – a big win for Victorian exporters delivering goods to the Port of Melbourne.”
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said the project will increase the competitiveness of Victorian industry.
“The Port of Melbourne is a vital part of our multi-billion dollar export sector and agriculture supply chain and on-dock rail will make its operations more efficient for Victorian exporters – removing congestion at the port gate.”
Chairman of the Freight on Rail Group, Dean Dalla Valle, highlighted the industry’s support of the measure.
“Port of Melbourne must also be congratulated for working closely with government and freight companies to deliver this game changing initiative.”
The project is set to be completed by 2023.
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