Victorian freight infrastructure, ports and piers will see a significant investment, as part of the Victorian Budget 2022/23.
The Victorian Government will invest $181 million into critical maintenance works on freight lines in regional Victoria to increase safety, reliability and improve rail freight logistics.
A further $3.5 million will go towards continuing the Mode Shift Incentive Scheme (MSIS) that supports more than 170 freight industry jobs and removes the equivalent of 28,000 truck trips every year.
It is estimated that Victoria’s freight volumes will more than double by 2051, making it vital for rail to take up a greater share of freight movement across the state and get goods where they need to go.
The funding for MSIS will support rail freight companies to make rail transport costs competitive with road – helping exporters get their goods to port more cost effectively.
Rail freight produces three times less carbon pollution than road freight, helping drive down emissions across Victoria.
The State Budget also includes a $6.1 million investment to help plan a new intermodal terminal at Truganina, to ensure freight from Inland Rail stays on trains all the way to the Port of Melbourne.
Along Victoria’s coastline, an $18 million package of works will go towards rebuilding and safety works on piers and jetties at Hampton, Rye, Flinders, McLoughlins Beach, Raymond Island, Lakes Entrance, Williamstown and Mornington.
“Whether you’re a dairy farmer in south west Victoria or harvesting stone fruit in the north, our rail freight investments mean more dollars back into the pockets of farmers, local producers and regional communities,” Ports, Freight, Fishing and Boating Minister Melissa Horne said.
“We’re boosting rail freight network capacity and reliability to help keep Victorian producers competitive both nationally and on a global scale – and that work will support thousands of jobs across the state.
“Piers and jetties are an iconic part of Victoria’s coastline and an important focal point for many local families, communities and businesses – we’ll keep them in the best shape so they can be enjoyed for years to come.”