Release Murray Basin rail business case, says Anne Webster

Dr Webster said the government should release its revised business case and recommendations for the project to stakeholders, who had a right to know how the project could progress.

“People in the Mallee just want an acknowledgment that they’ve been let down and for the Victorian Government to work collaboratively with stakeholders on a way forward,” Dr Webster said.

“The combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the drought means our industry needs this project more than ever.

“Better freight connections equal stronger communities and that’s what this project could deliver.”

Dr Webster said while in government the Liberal and National parties funded $220 million in the 2014 State Budget to standardise the line and in 2016 the Australian Government matched the funding commitment to complete the project.

“The project was designed to standardise the freight rail network, making it faster and cheaper for local producers to move their product by rail,” she said.

“More freight on rail means less truck movements, safer roads and savings for producers.

“But this is a project that the Victorian Government has been managing and there have been issues from the start.

“Our regional businesses need this project — they want it, they deserve it.”