More Than $27M Boost For Freight Infrastructure In Western Riverina

An investment of $27 million to upgrade road and rail freight corridors in Western Riverina should keep regional NSW moving forward.

GrainLink Managing Director, Paul Pearson said the upgrade would improve processes at their Wumbulgal site.

“Currently, it can take up to eight hours during mainline loading of bulk and container trains several days per week,” Mr Pearson said.

“The new siding will improve capacity and allow loading activities to proceed without impacting other services on the Junee to Griffith Line.”

LINX Cargo Care General Manager, Wayne Alpen also welcomed news of project delivery funding.

“This project is a very positive step for regional freight operators, we’re pleased to see it progress through to delivery and provide tangible benefits for the movement of freight throughout south-western NSW,” Mr Alpen said.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway said it took an average of ten hours to load a freight train.

“By upgrading our rail network through projects like the Wumbulgal rail sliding, we allow more freight to be transported per trip, reducing delays and allowing goods and produce to get from farms and factories to our ports and supermarket shelves quicker,” Minister Farraway said.

“A lot of work has been put into the development of this project and it is great news we are investing in infrastructure that will directly help freight operators and primary producers such as grain farmers.

“Rail slidings, like the one that will be installed at Wumbulgal, allow freight trains to load and unload goods while simultaneously enabling other passenger and freight trains on the same line to pass.”

Minister Farraway said $8.8 million would also be invested to upgrade road freight routes in the Riverina, including widening Petty Pine Road and Pimpara Creek Bridge through the latest round of the Fixing Country Roads program.

“Our truckies rely heavily on their roads which have taken a battering during the recent floods,” Minister Farraway said.

“We’re investing the funding now so councils can start the job of repairing roads and building them to be more resilient.

“Better roads allow us to move freight faster and more efficiently, reducing the cost of getting goods to market, keeping prices low and keeping NSW moving forward.”

Mayor Hay Shire Council, Carol Oataway welcomed the $288,000 in funding for Pimpara Creek Bridge widening.

“Once completed, this project will provide access for two-way traffic, improving community safety and allow for higher productivity vehicles to carry increased produce, improving freight efficiency,” Ms Oataway said.

• Topics:

• Grants / Funding
• Road Safety
• Public Works
• Transport