The first commercial freight train has made its way through the restored Maryborough-Ararat rail line, which was reopened this year after 13 years sitting idle.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A train carrying wine, grapes and almonds left Merbein near Mildura on Tuesday afternoon bound for the Port of Melbourne via Ararat.
The Maryborough-Ararat rail line had its sleepers replaced and axle loading increased from 19 tonnes to 21 tonnes through the joint federal and state government Murray Basin Rail Project.
Victorian Agriculture Minister and Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford said the project would provide long lasting support to Victorian farmers and businesses.
“The Murray Basin Rail Project is reconnecting Victoria’s north west with our major ports in Portland, Geelong and Melbourne,” she said.