Rail Freight Network Infrastructure Review and Western Regional Rail Plan

Policy Proposals
1

Hi @Cameron, these are two rail freight related policies. I came across some of the issues with where the regional freight network is currently at as I was researching the first set of policies I proposed which is why they are all somewhat related. Let me know what you think, thanks!

Policy Title: Western Regional Rail Plan

Policy Focus Area: Freight Transport and Regional Passenger Rail

Tier of Government: State

Policy Vision: To improve the efficiency and interoperability of the Victorian Rail network while providing the foundations for improved, sustainable and expanded regional passenger and freight rail networks.

Policy Objective:

  1. Gauge conversion of the Sea Lake and Manangtang freight-only lines to standard gauge, upgraded to at least an 80km/h line speed.

  2. Identify the most appropriate short-term option for maintaining passenger services beyond Ballarat - both to Ararat and Maryborough - while supporting a standard gauge corridor from Maryborough, through Ballarat to Geelong.

    1. Unless cost prohibitive, advocate for the transition of passenger services beyond Ballarat to standard gauge, avoiding the need for dual-gauge track as well as enabling the easier return of passenger services to Mildura, Horsham and Portland. In the medium term, advocate for the return of these passenger services.

  3. Longer term, plan for the gauge conversion of these long-haul lines if not previously completed and identify the most appropriate option for long-haul passenger rolling stock to be used, ideally future-proofed for fully electrified operation when available (ie. bi-mode operation).

  4. The potential introduction of an electrified shuttle service between Geelong and Ballarat (or through to Maryborough and/or Wendouree).

  5. Begin planning and construction for an electrified express standard-gauge intercity-style service from Melbourne to Ballarat via Sunshine by the late 2030s, completing the standardisation of the regional rail network through Ballarat. This would also allow standard-gauge freight to use this corridor as well.

Summary: The Civil Voice Party recognises the vital role that the transport of freight plays in the Victorian economy, particularly from the north west of the state. Due to the re-scoping of the Murray Basin Rail Plan and more generally a lack on on-going investment, rail-based freight is currently significantly under-utilised resulting in an increase in large trucks on regional roads. This is unsafe for residents and other road users, and leads to a significant deterioration of the road network.

The Western Regional Rail Plan proposes completing the original scope of the Murray Basin Rail Plan and removing the gauge differences that either prevents freight from reaching the Ports of Melbourne, Geelong and Portland or that currently requires significant diversions.

This plan also lays the groundwork for the complete standardisation of the rail network through Ballarat, simplifying operations and ensuring complete compatibility along with the eventual construction of intercity-style passenger services between Melbourne and Ballarat.

Tags: #SustainableTransport #EfficientFreight #RegionalRail #GreenTravel #PublicTransportation #CivilVoice

Policy Title: Rail Freight Network Infrastructure Review

Policy Focus Area: Freight Transport

Tier of Government: State

Policy Vision: To guarantee the future viability of the rail freight network by ensuring that it remains competitive with road transport.

Policy Objective:

  1. The creation of a Rail Freight Network Infrastructure Plan that sets requirements for gauge standardisation, axle loads, line speeds and corridor capacity across the network and defines an upgrade program to progressively achieve and maintain these standards. This plan should also identify any future expansions to the freight network and set milestones towards their construction.
  2. Identify the correct management and governance for the regional rail infrastructure that will give appropriate focus to both freight and passenger services.
  3. Ensure that the comparative cost models between road and rail freight transport are set appropriately to take into account environment and community impacts, and the wear and tear on the road network.

Summary: The Civil Voice Party recognises the importance of regional rail-based freight transport to reduce carbon emissions and improve safety for communities by taking large trucks off the roads. However Victoria’s regional rail freight network is inefficient and suffering from a lack of proper maintenance, compatibility (such as differing gauges) and network-wide oversight.

The Rail Freight Network Infrastructure Review will identify the appropriate governance and accountability needed to progressively upgrade the network and ensure reliability along with defining a long term vision, allowing it to be competitive with road transport.

Tags: #SustainableTransport #EfficientFreight #RegionalRail #BetterCommunities #CivilVoice