Grain volumes moved by rail in Victoria increased by 95 percent between July and December 2023, compared with the same period in 2022.

It also increased by 57 percent between July 2023 and March 2024, compared with the previous year.

The incline resulted in an extra 500,000 tonnes of grain transported across the state by rail – with one standard 3000-tonne grain train carrying about $1.2 million worth of produce being the equivalent of removing 70 B-Double trucks from regional roads.

Earlier this month at GrainCorp’s Geelong export terminal, Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne saw firsthand how more than $181 million in State Government investment in the rail freight network helped make rail freight more efficient and attractive across the $4.4 billion grains industry. 

The rail freight network is integral in shifting more grain by rail freight for domestic and export markets. 

Ms Horne said the improvements allowed heavier trains to discharge at Geelong Port through increasing axle-load capability at key grain handling sites as well as through recommissioning the Gheringhap loop near Geelong.

“Our targeted investments in our regional freight network have given our grain industry the confidence to put more of their grain on trains more often – helping to take more trucks off our roads,” she said.

V-Line has delivered axle-load capability upgrades across Piangil, Woorinen, Tocumwal, Murchison East, Elmore, Mitiamo, Charlton and Wycheproof, with more upgrades in the pipeline.

GrainCorp has also invested in rail improvements at several of its sites.

GrainCorp chief operating officer Klaus Pamminger said GrainCorp was working closely with the State Government and industry stakeholders to improve rail infrastructure in Victoria, to facilitate quicker and more efficient movement of grain from sites to end users in domestic and export markets.

Further confidence in the rail network was demonstrated by operator Southern Shorthaul Railroad’s purchase of 22 new broad-gauge grain wagons – the first order for new broad-gauge grain wagons in 16 years.

In October 2022, V-Line, bulk grain handling companies and rail freight operator Pacific National formed the Grain Rail Improvement Plan Working Group – formalising their commitment to optimise the rail freight network.

The entire April 24, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire April, 24, 2024 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!