A joint government and industry group will advocate for the Victorian rail freight sector.
The newly formed Rail Freight Working group will combine government agencies, freight and primary industries to identify rail freight network priorities.
“Our working group will look at the entire freight supply chain – from farm to port – and make it easier for producers to get Victorian goods to the world,” said Victorian Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne.
Chairing the group will be Victoria’s Rural Assistance Commissioner, Peter Tuohey, and the group will also include representatives of Victorian Farmers Federation, freight organisations, and Victorian government bodies including the Department of Transport, VicTrack, V/Line, and representatives from ports.
“We’re keen to be involved in this great opportunity to work with government and industry experts to push forward with key rail projects for Victoria,” said Tuohey.
“This new group will give operators and farmers a voice at the table as we continue investing in important Victorian rail freight projects to boost our export power and support regional jobs,” said Horne.
A number of freight rail projects are currently underway in Victoria, including intermodal terminals, port rail shuttle, the Murray basin Rail Project, and the Shepparton Rail Freight Planning Study. Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said that the group will contribute to the growth of rail freight in the state.
“We’re working with industry experts to shape the future of Victoria’s rail freight industry, building its capacity and supporting Victoria’s vital export sector.”