A project to extend the rail siding at Albury’s Ettamogah Rail Hub has been shortlisted for funding as part of the NSW government’s $150 million investment in the first round of its Fixing Country Rail infrastructure program.
The rail siding requires an extension of 3500 metres to enable 1800-metre-long trains to have access to the Hub, an intermodal transport facility for national and international freight passing through the Albury-Wodonga region.
The rail siding has direct access to the main Melbourne to Sydney freight rail line, and improving the ability of longer trains to deliver freight along the rail corridor will lead to cuts in delivery times and increases in the loads being transported by train, improving the efficiency of services.
“The addition to the shortlist is great news for the area and means the siding expansion is in line to potentially share in $150 million in funding,” NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
Twenty-seven projects from across regional NSW have entered the shortlist for the Fixing Country Rail program’s first stage, chosen from the 49 projects which entered expressions of interest.
Final funding recommendations will follow the preparation of business cases and their assessment by Infrastructure Australia early next year.
State roads minister Melinda Pavey said the investment program was aimed at projects that would boost productivity and efficiency of freight movements in regional NSW.
“Transport costs can make up a third of the price of goods sold by regional producers harvesting grain, cotton, citrus, meat or other commodities and moving them to market,” Pavey said.
Hi All.
This is very positive news. Looks like the State Gvmnt is taking a more active roll in getting Freight on Rail. Lets hope the results are a success and can use the lessons gained in other parts of the State. The Fact that N S W is on Standard Gauge is a Large Plus for the State and Shippers as well..