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Working party to explore freight prospects from rail upgradeA Latrobe City working party to explore freight prospects stemming from the current rail upgrade will seek to build on the State Government’s infrastructure investment. By Latrobe City Council - 27th July 2005 - Back to News The charter of the working party consisting of Latrobe City Mayor Councillor Bruce Lougheed, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss and a senior economic development officer, will include highlighting the economic, social and environmental benefits of using rail to transport freight to industry.
"This is also in line with the Victorian Government’s target to increase the proportion of freight transported to and from ports by rail from 10 percent to 30 percent by 2010," Cr Lougheed explained.
Cr Lougheed said the benefits of using rail to transport freight to industry not only flow to industry itself, but to the whole community. "Firstly there are reduced costs to the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments for premature damage to roads infrastructure, which in turn means savings for the taxpayer," Cr Lougheed said.
"Improved liveability in our region from a reduction of heavy transport on our roads would also be a big win for our community," Cr Lougheed said.
Cr Lougheed said that by examining the improved freight prospects that can emerge from the rail upgrade, Council is seeking to build on the State Government’s investment.
"The rail upgrade has involved a significant amount of works including the removal of existing sleepers and rail; installation of heavier, high-speed rail supported by new ballast; upgrading safety protection at level crossings with flashing lights, boom barriers and improved road surfaces; and the installation of a modern signalling system served by a new fibre optic network.
"As such, the rail upgrade is laying a practical and sustainable foundation for the transport of people and freight, for many years to come. It also comes at a time when the community is seriously questioning the wisdom of hauling heavy freight by road," Cr Lougheed added.
Councillor Graeme Middlemiss said that at a local level, Council also has an ongoing commitment to the creation of a regional logistics hub.
"This commitment has been demonstrated with the purchase of a 69 hectare rail-capable site and the adoption of a recently completed Logistics Precinct Master Plan. The project is further identified as a key driver in Council’s long term strategic plan Latrobe 2021 – The Vision for Latrobe Valley. A principal element of this document was to support and promote the development of a regionally significant freight and logistics precinct," Cr Middlemiss said.
"The site is situated between the Gippsland Intermodal Freight Terminal (GIFT) and the Princes Highway in Morwell. Council has secured support from a number of firms who are investigating site options for the establishment of a major warehousing facility.
"The possibility of a logistics precinct located in Gippsland represents a significant opportunity for the Latrobe Valley as well as the wider Gippsland region. Indeed, it is Council’s belief that the project is one of state significance and will provide powerful evidence of the worth of the upgraded rail infrastructure on this corridor," Cr Middlemiss said.
"Council is also working with the Commonwealth Government and earlier this year prepared a submission for a House of Representatives Inquiry into the integrating of regional rail and road networks and their interface with ports. As a result of a written submission, Council was invited to attend the hearing and provide evidence," Cr Middlemiss added.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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