Mallee port rail link plan goes to talks

The Sunraysia-Mallee Port Link project would transport the bulk of freight by rail to the Port of Melbourne, saving producers massive on-farm costs and reducing road trauma and emissions.

Mildura Regional Development (MRD) is supporting a business case for the project, which could create up to 90 jobs at the Ouyen intermodal terminal, as well as mineral sands mining near the site and a hay export facility.

MRD chief executive Brett Millington said he was set to meet Victorian Transport Minister Jacinta Allan and Federal Government transport representatives following a briefing to Mildura Rural City Council.

“This project will a game-changer in terms of improved efficiencies for our agricultural producers,” Mr Millington said.

“It will give the opportunity to enhance freight transport on rail into the Port of Melbourne.

“It links in closely with the Murray Basin Rail Project, which has some way to go but is now moving in the right direction after state and federal funding announcements in recent months.”

The port link plan estimates that by 2023 the volume of the intermodal freight from far north-west Victoria will be more than one million tonnes, or up to 75,000 shipping containers.

It also reveals that supply chain company Wingara AG is looking to invest $10 million in a hay processing facility at the Ouyen terminal.