The state government has pledged to support efforts to more freight onto rail and get trucks off local roads.
RAIL freight is set to play a key role in cutting congestion, ports and freight minister for Victoria Melissa Horne says.
Horne was commenting following the announcement of this week’s budget, her statement also spruiking investments in local boat ramps and a fish hatchery near Shepparton.
“With Victorian freight volumes expected to more than double by 2051, the Labor government will continue supporting the growth of rail freight to get trucks off local roads,” Horne said.
“The Labor government will continue its investment in the Mode Shift Incentive Scheme with an additional $3.6 million to support the transport of goods by rail and help reduce costs.
“An additional $32.4 million will deliver road and bridge upgrades across the state, improving efficiency and safety on the road freight network – and supporting Victorian jobs.”
The government’s biggest announcement was made earlier in the way with a large investment in train construction at Ballarat in conjunction with Alstom.