A new Rail Freight Advisory Council has been established to share information and make recommendations to improve Victoria’s rail freight network.
Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, announced the establishment of the Council which will provide advice to V/Line regarding proposed rail heat restrictions for this summer.
“Our farmers and primary industries across Victoria rely on the rail freight network – it’s vital we make it as efficient and safe as possible,” Ms Allan said.
“With the Murray Basin Rail Project underway to revitalise our freight network, this group will look at the entire supply chain from farm to port and recommend ways to make it easier for farmers to transport their produce.”
The Council will be chaired by industry leader and former president of the Victorian Farmers Federation, Peter Tuohey, and provide advice to V/Line on the requirements of the rail freight industry to deliver a customer focused, safe and efficient rail freight network.
Mr Tuohey brings expertise and knowledge of the freight and farming industries which will be vital in identifying the requirements of the entire supply chain and finding solutions to issues.
“This group will enable regular communication across the entire rail freight industry, including farmers, freight train operators, port managers and V/Line,” Mr Tuohey said.
“The Council will be ideally placed to provide expert advice to V/Line on operational requirements, heat and temporary speed restrictions, and rail freight project delivery including the Murray Basin Rail Project.”
Going forward, the group will provide regular communication and consultation across the entire rail freight industry, including farmers, freight train operations and V/Line.
It will provide advice to V/Line on operational requirements, restrictions and rail freight project delivery including the Murray Basin Rail Project currently underway.
The recommendations will be used to improve V/Line’s rail freight procedures and ensure Victoria’s freight network is best placed to meet the needs of the industry.
