The VFF is calling for the Murray Basin Rail Project business case to be released, to enable farmers and industry to fully understand the future of the project.
VFF Grains Group president Ashley Fraser said the VFF could not support the project until it saw every detail and a future vision for the promised regional freight rail network.
“A fit-for-purpose rail freight network must provide an opportunity for competition amongst train providers, storage facilities, access to all ports and access to the national rail network,” Mr Fraser said.
“A commitment was made to build the MBRP five years ago, including the standardisation of the Sea Lake and Manangatang lines.
“Under this revised plan, these lines will not be converted to standard gauge, resulting in farmers and businesses along the broad gauge Sea Lake and Manangatang lines effectively being cut off from the standard gauge Inland Rail network.
“Ultimately, this means double handling of freight, which results in added costs for farmers, especially in the important grain growing regions in Victoria’s north-west.”
VFF president David Jochinke said the original scope of the project promised increased volume and efficiency of rail freight.
“The promised standardised of the network would have enabled faster trains capable of carrying more freight,” Mr Jochinke said.
“It’s frustrating that we’ll be left with parts of the network with reduced capacity and productivity.
“An important intention of the project was to move as much product as possible by rail.
“By not standardising the Sea Lake and Manangatang lines, we’re forcing more trucks onto our already crumbling roads.”
The VFF is calling on the federal and state governments to work together to find a solution to deliver the MBRP in full.
