Victorian Transport Association (VTA) CEO Peter Anderson has welcomed the long-term infrastructure commitments outlined in the Federal Budget on 9 May, particularly significant investments in the critical Inland Rail project.
“The freight industry, including the VTA, has long called for significant spending on port-to-port inland rail, and the expenditure outlined in the Budget will go a long way to diversifying the freight task, creating productivity gains for operators and reducing pressure on our road networks,” Anderson said.
“The $500 million allocated for Victorian regional rail is also welcome because it will give rural commuters additional travel options to consider, which is good for road freight because it will alleviate congestion on rural road networks.
“We are also encouraged that the Budget considers a variety of perspectives that are integral to the freight task, other than infrastructure. For example investments earmarked to continue Black Spot, Roads to Recovery and other vital programs are critical for encouraging better driver safety, which is welcome news for operator and road safety in general.”
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester will outline infrastructure spending contained in the Budget when he addresses the VTA State Conference in Lorne next month.