Rail access to ports
The Government has set an ambitious target to move 30 per cent of statewide port-related freight by rail by 2010, up from 10 per cent in 1999.
Port of Melbourne
The Department continues to work closely with the
Port of Melbourne Corporation and port tenants to re-establish rail links to the Port of Melbourne, Australia's busiest container port, in order to minimise congestion at the port.
Initiatives that facilitate increased rail market share at the Port of Melbourne are vital to accommodating future growth in the freight transport sector, reducing road congestion and improving the overall efficiency of the freight and logistics sector.
Recent initiatives to improve rail access to the Port of Melbourne are the joint Federal/State funded
Dynon Port Rail Link and
Melbourne Port@L which provides an overall strategy for the port precinct and adjoining area.
The Government is also working with the
Australian Rail Track Corporation to implement a $45 million AusLink funded project to increase rail freight capacity in Melbourne’s inner west. This will improve rail access into the Port of Melbourne and Dynon terminals. Further track capacity improvements are being planned by the Government.
Port of Geelong
The Department is also
improving rail access to the Port of Geelong. The Geelong grain loop has been provided with dual gauge access. The Government has also provided funding for the dual gauge Corio Independent Goods Line which will provide a dual gauge rail connection to Corio Quay.