The Brumby Labor Government will provide Victoria’s freight network with a $239.8 million boost in the 2008-09 Budget, to help develop a sustainable freight network that will get Victorian goods to market and drive jobs across the state.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas and Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the Brumby Labor Government’s response to the Rail Freight Network Review formed the cornerstone of this year’s freight investment package.
Ms Kosky said the results of the Rail Freight Network Review, led by the Hon Tim Fischer, AC, outlined a range of options to develop a sustainable rail freight network in Victoria.
“To meet the growing needs of farmers and customers, our immediate response to this report is to set some priorities for grain lines, based on Mr Fischer’s recommendations,” Ms Kosky said.
“Victoria’s major rail freight lines will be improved through a $42.7 million package, reinforcing the Brumby Government’s commitment to a sustainable rail freight network.”
As part of the funding announced in the Future Farming Statement, $23.7 million will be invested in the first stage of Gold Lines upgrades as recommended in Mr Fischer’s Rail Freight Network Review, and a further $19 million was allocated for general upgrades.
In addition, a further $13.3 million will be spent on maintenance works on the rail freight lines which are vital to developing a sustainable rail freight network.
Mr Pallas said other key freight projects funded by in the 2008-09 State Budget were:
