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El Zorro Rides Into GIFT Freight TerminalA trial run to prove that the Gippsland Intermodal Freight Terminal (GIFT) at MidValley can still be used for rail freight purposes was undertaken yesterday, By Portal Admin - 24th October 2008 - Back to News when a freight train operated by El Zorro Transport Pty Ltd and headed by two T Class diesel locomotives rolled into the currently disused siding.
While the rolling stock carried no freight, Latrobe City mayor, Cr Bruce Lougheed said yesterday's train brought to and operated by El Zorro was great news for Latrobe City and the Gippsland region.
"The event signalled the first train to utilise the GIFT rail siding in almost three years; and while the facility at Morwell is currently non-operational, Latrobe City Council is negotiating with interested parties to reopen the terminal as soon as possible," Cr Lougheed explained.
"Council has purchased land adjacent to the site and is encouraging the development of a freight and logistics cluster; and one prospective operator, El Zorro, is currently in talks with local companies who wish to utilise rail freight for national and export markets.
"El Zorro is confident of building a solid business case with these local companies to run regular rail freight services from the GIFT," Cr Lougheed said.
"While this is a significant short term opportunity, council is continuing to work with the Victorian Government to secure a long term operational future for the site."
Cr Lougheed said times had changed since the demise of the previous attempt to create an ‘inland port’ for Gippsland.
"We now have operators keen to harness the obvious advantages of rail freight, and public and government pressure is mounting to deliver cleaner, smarter and more energy efficient means of transporting freight from source to marketplace.
Latrobe City councillor, Cr Graeme Middlemiss, said the projected demands of freight transportation over ensuing years are likely to result in congested roads and port infrastructure.
"The use of rail is seen as sustainable method of maximising the use of existing transport resources," Cr Middlemiss added.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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