Advocacy pays off as Maroona-Portland rail upgrade gets the go-ahead

Published on 15 May 2024

Glenelg Shire Council and the Port of Portland are delighted that one of the major infrastructure issues in our region is now set to be addressed following last night’s Federal Budget.

The Federal Government has committed $150 million to upgrading the Maroona-Portland rail line to enable increased axle limits.

This will put the Port of Portland on a level playing field with the ports of Geelong and Melbourne and give primary producers and industry another option in transporting their products, such as grain and mineral sands, to markets.

The upgrade will make exports more globally competitive for regional producers, it will create a robust rail infrastructure that strengthens supply chains into the future and support the Federal Government’s emission reduction targets.

It will also mean that the reduced speed limits that have crippled the line in the past few years will be lifted to 80 km/hr.

Port of Portland Chief Executive Officer Greg Burgoyne said “several key industry stakeholders, the ARTC, State, and Local Government had been advocating for the Rail Upgrade over many years”.

“It is a great result for the region and brings certainty to a range of different industries who rely on an efficient and reliable supply chain to get their products to export markets,” he said.

Recent events both internationally and within Australia highlight the need for more resilience within the supply chain.

“This upgrade will help build the resilience needed and importantly integrate the Maroona to Portland line with the rest of the ARTC network”, said Mr Burgoyne.

The Rail Upgrade also supports the Federal Government’s emission reduction targets.

Moving freight off road and onto rail would make a substantial contribution to decarbonising the economy.

The $150m budget commitment will also contribute to economic growth by creating jobs and opening key markets to competition in the supply chain.

“We look forward to working with the ARTC to get this project started,” Mr Burgoyne said.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Karen Stephens said it was a great win for the many who had battled for the upgrade for many years.

“The issue was first raised in the early-2000s and Council has been a tireless advocate for it, both locally and through the Rail Freight Alliance of which it has been a prominent member,” Cr Stephens said.

“I thank all of those who have contributed to ensuring this upgrade got the go ahead.”

Council also welcomed the $12 million funding in the Federal Budget for the Bridgewater Road and Portland Ring Road upgrade.

“This upgrade will help ease the load on local roads when Council has to issue permits to ensure oversized over mass products (OSOM) can be transported from the Port of Portland,” Cr Stephens said.

“At present these loads cannot use the Ring Road fully because of the height restriction of the Bridgewater Road overpass.

“There is also funding of $6.3 million for upgrades to bridges on the Princes Highway from the SA border to Colac, another issue Council has advocated for over many years and all these investments represent a ‘win-win’ for the Shire.

“They increase economic productivity, ease the burden on our roads, and also save ratepayers’ money in ensuring local roads last longer.”

Caption: Glenelg Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Craig Niemann, Mayor Karen Stephens, Port of Portland CEO Greg Burgoyne and Infrastructure Manager Michael Carr are delighted the Maroona-Portland rail line will finally get an upgrade.