Ararat Rural City Council has welcomed news the proposed freight train hub is one step closer to being established.
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This follows the announcement on August 19 that strategic consulting firm Parsons Brinckerhoff will undertake a feasibility study into the Ararat hub.
Cr Hooper said council has been advocating for the project for many years and it is great to get to finally get to the consultation process.
“Ararat has a very proud and rich rail history and the announcement that Parsons Brinckerhoff will be undertaking a feasibility study means we are closer to seeing that rail network revived,” he said.
“Our location means we are perfectly situated for a project of this kind.
“This is not just a project of local significance – it’s has regional significance and the potential for Ararat to play a part in exporting produce internationally.
“Among the next few steps is to talk to transport companies to ascertain how they operate their businesses.
“Talk to manufacturers to identify the nature of their supply chains, and talk to some of the larger grain carting companies and general freight operators to identify what they may see the opportunities are.
The Victorian Government is providing $100,000 towards the study from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.
“It is exciting times ahead and I thank the State Government for their support of this important project,” Cr Hooper said.