The SouthWest Victoria Alliance – which represents communities across the shires of Colac Otway, Corangamite, Moyne, Southern Grampians and Warrnambool City Council – has welcomed the federal budget.

SouthWest Victoria Alliance Chair Cr Ben Blain said:

“The SouthWest Victoria Alliance welcomes $150 million to upgrade the Maroona to Portland Rail line as part of a $540 million investment to improve the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s interstate freight rail network.

Cr Blain said: “The 173 kilometre-long track connects the western half of Victoria to the national rail freight system and to the deep-sea Port of Portland, which is vital for the SWVA region’s export trade.

“We hope that the $150 million upgrade will be sufficient to fully re-sleeper the whole line so that the current 20km/h speed limit can be restored to 80 km/h and cut the six-hour rail journey to and from the Port of Portland in half.

“We hope that the upgrade will significantly cut the number of freight trucks using the region’s roads, taking some pressure off roads that are already substandard,” Cr Blain said.

Cr Blain said SWVA also welcomes $12 million for the Bridgewater Road and Portland Ring Road intersection upgrade.

“There are height restrictions of the Bridgewater Road bridge over the Portland Ring Road. This means some trucks, such as those transporting oversized loads, are using local roads in Portland instead.

“Residents have raised long-term safety concerns as truck volumes increase. We welcome the federal investment that will lead to a safer outcome for the community,” Cr Blain

Cr Blain said: “We cautiously welcome $20.7 million to improve engagement with communities impacted by the energy transition and accelerate the delivery of key energy projects.

“The energy transition is a reality, but we must ensure that the engagement is genuine and that communities are rewarded with a government that listens and with good well-paid long-term local jobs.”

Cr Blain said: “We also welcome the support for regional airports.

“Our region has several airports that have the potential to be passenger hubs and bring more people and prosperity to SouthWest Victoria region.

“In more general terms, we welcome a budget that eases some of the cost-of-living pressures our communities are facing,” Cr Blain said.

Media enquiries: Seamus Bradley | seamus@theagendagroup.com.au  | 0410 256 902