A new grain terminal connection at Barnes, 15km north of Echuca, will mean more bulk grain for domestic and export markets will soon be moved by freight trains instead of trucks.
A four-kilometre section of the previously closed Moulamein Line will allow for the new terminal to begin operating. It follows a $10 million upgrade of the Echuca-Barnes-Deniliquin freight corridor which was completed in late-2023.
The Victorian government says that by connecting the Barnes Junction grain terminal to rail for the first time in 30 years, more grain will be moved to port, with a reduced reliance on trucks.
Plans for construction of a hardstand will eventually enable loading of containerised goods from the region to also be moved south by rail.
The Victorian government has invested $368 million since 2020 in rail freight maintenance to grow volumes on rail through targeted projects, which it says is aimed at benefiting producers and industry, and reducing truck movements on our roads.
“It’s pleasing to see the progress at this new terminal, which is going to deliver more freight on rail – a win for farmers, operators and regional producers,” said Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne.
“As the first new grain terminal connected to the state’s rail freight network in 30 years, this is a significant milestone and there are more to come which will grow rail-freight volumes from paddock to port.’’