Victorian Government outlines regional rail freight priorities

<p>The Victorian Government has outlined how it requires the successful buyer of Freight Australia to manage the state’s regional rail network.</p> <p>Transport minister Peter Batchelor told the Victorian Parliament yesterday (Tuesday, June 1) that the government needed to take a number of factors into consideration when it examined Pacific National’s bid for Freight Australia.</p> <p>The sale requires the consent of the Victorian Government, as the successful buyer will inherit control of state-owned infrastructure, and the deal is also subject to approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.</p> <p>"Our regional network plays a crucial role in Victoria’s economy," Mr Batchelor said.</p> <p>"Effective management of the network is critical to the success of Victoria’s grain industry and other export industries, as well as the safe and efficient operation of V&#47Line passenger and other rail operations," he said. </p> <p>The government wants any successful buyer of Freight Australia to meet a number of criteria, including the ability to: </p> <p>&#8226 Work in partnership with the government </p> <p>&#8226 Ensure a fair open access regime </p> <p>&#8226 Have institutional settings to cater for projected rail freight growth</p> <p>&#8226 Cooperate with all other transport interfaces and </p> <p>&#8226 Allow community and industrial access to rail land for important activities and infrastructure projects.</p> <p>The government has not indicated when it will make a decision. </p> <br />