The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the secrecy surrounding the Murray Basin Rail Project’s (MBRP) revised business plan must end, and is calling for both the Federal and Victorian Governments to release the details now.
VFF President David Jochinke said Victorian farmers and industry has been extremely patient awaiting information from the governments and that the time for consultation and waiting is over.
“A commitment was made to build the Murray Basin Rail Project just under five years ago, that’s five long years and yet still, here we are, uncertain about the future of the Manangatang and Sea Lake lines.”
“We do not think industry should be kept in the dark any longer and are calling for the details of the revised business case to be released to public scrutiny,” Mr Jochinke said.
VFF Grains Group President Ashley Fraser said Victorian grain producers are relying on the project to be built as a fit-for-purpose regional rail freight network as originally planned.
“One of the key upsides of the Murray Basin Rail Project is its potential to grow capacity, improve efficiency and provide better access from Victoria’s key grain and horticulture regions to major ports.”
“If there’s a failure to standardise the Sea Lake and Manangatang lines we’re essentially isolating them from the rest of the Victorian and interstate network which undermines the reason for the project in the first place.”
“We are not asking for much. We only want genuine consultation on the future of this state-building project. It’s time to end the secrecy,” Mr Fraser said.
The Victorian Farmers Federation will continue to advocate for the completion of the Murray Basin Rail Project as it was promised.
Media Contacts:
David Jochinke, VFF President, 0427 834 524
Ashley Fraser, VFF Grains Group President, 0418 176 764
Ryan Moloney, VFF, 0400 874 589