Rail travel between Ararat and Maryborough is set to become more efficient and reliable due to planned re-railing along of the line.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On December 16 the federal government announced a $200.2 million rescue package for the Victorian Murray Basin Freight Rail project.
The project began in 2016 with the aim of improving intrastate freight transport. It was initially slated for completion in late 2018, but still remains largely unfinished.
However, the federal government stated the new injection of funds will see the re-railing of the line between Ararat and Maryborough.
READ MORE:
Ararat Rural City Council chief executive officer Dr Tim Harrison said this was great news for the region.
"Ararat Rural City Council welcomes this additional investment from the Australian Government to get the Murray Basin Rail project back on track."
Mr Harrison said the re-railing would ease stress on the region's roads.
"Without access to freight terminals via a standardised rail network, it pushes additional freight onto local roads, accelerating wear and tear, adding significantly to maintenance costs," he said.
"As local production of grains and produce continues to increase, we will see more and more larger trucks seeking to use local roads that are not fit for purpose to handle high-capacity freight vehicles.
"While our road network continues to be vital for first and last mile freight movements, the opportunity to get more boxes onto rail allows farmers to get their products to port quicker, more affordably and more reliably."
Marion McAdie manages Ararat Books & Collectables, which operates in the showroom of KD McAdie & Sons mechanics.
She said she believed the upgrades would help business.
"Bookshop wise, anything like that would be good," Ms McAdie said.
"Having people come from all different directions has got to be good for the town. And people want to come to Ararat, it's a great community, it's got all the infrastructure, and of course there's The Grampians."
Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said the economic benefits would begin with the works on the re-railing.
"These works will create economic activity, help businesses with orders for materials and other supplies, support more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs throughout the life of the works activity, and increase demand in local businesses such as food and retail when work crews are onsite."
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.