WIMMERA leaders have quizzed Treasurer Tim Pallas about a proposed Port of Melbourne lease, questioning how the government can improve freight access.
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Mr Pallas met with Wimmera councils on Friday, along with representatives from export companies and the Victorian Farmers Federation.
He said the government was aware that access to the port was critical for regional exporters and producers.
“Freight from the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal at Dooen is railed directly to the port’s Swanson Dock,” he said. “Making the most of direct port access is essential for the future.
“The port lease arrangements will require a successful leaseholder to have traffic and rail freight management projects going forward.”
Mr Pallas said upgrade of the Murray Basin Rail Project would benefit not only the port, but western Victoria.
“They key benefit for the Wimmera is that the Port of Portland will be connected to the Murray Basin Rail Project,” he said.
“Portland will then become more competitive, meaning better prices for exporters.”
Mr Pallas said improving road access to Melbourne was also vital for regional Victoria.
He said the state government was working on the Western Highway duplication and upgrading the highway between Stawell and the South Australian border.
Horsham Rural City planning and economic director Tony Bawden said Wimmera export companies such as Wimmera Container Lines were concerned that freight prices could increase under the lease.
Mr Pallas said there would be legislation in place that would cap port charges.
“Charges will be capped at the consumer price index for 15 years and then after that time, any increases will have to be justified to Essential Services Commission,” he said.
West Wimmera councillor Ron Hawkins said there was still issues with access to ports from the shire.
“Twenty per cent of the region’s production comes from West Wimmera,” he said. “Yet there is a huge gap on the map, where there is virtually no rail and the road network is in a pretty bad state.”
Mr Pallas said more road maintenance was needed.