The Port of Melbourne looks forward to contributing to the review of the Inland Rail project, announced today by Minister Catherine King.

Port of Melbourne CEO Saul Cannon said the review, to be headed by Dr Kerry Schott, was an opportunity to support the timely and efficient delivery of the project and support a fundamental intermodal shift to rail.

“Moving trucks off the road and better connecting our economy through rail would deliver economic, environmental and community amenity benefits,” Mr Cannon said.

“The Port of Melbourne has already invested $125 million in the new Port Rail Transformation Project and we’re keen to link up with public infrastructure to further improve rail access.”

Mr Cannon said that he was pleased that the review will specifically consider Melbourne intermodal terminal issues and port connections.

“There is strong, coordinated support from local communities, freight operators, industry and the Victorian Government for the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal at Truganina as a first priority,” he said.

“This is an opportunity to support the efficient delivery of the Inland Rail Project and align on a much-needed terminal and prepare for the longer-term supply needs of our growing economy.”

Mr Cannon said that while the Inland Rail project would deliver more, better-connected freight as an urgent priority, the Port also understands that it must be done correctly.

“This project is an important link for our regional industries to bring their products and goods to global markets, as well as ease connection and improve our supply chain.”

“We look forward to working with Dr Schott and the review.”

ENDS

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For more information contact:                                                        

Name:   Simon Watson

Mobile:  0484 000 051

Email:    simon.watson@portofmelbourne.com