Victoria’s government has committed $125k to part-fund a study to identify changes to the production, and volume, of grain likely to be harvested over the next 25 years.
The study is also aimed at helping freight industry efficiencies and to improve the competitiveness of the grain industry.
The SouthWest Victoria Alliance will deliver the project, along with local government, industry and the Department of Transport.
Modelled on the successful Dairy Supply Chain Study undertaken in 2018 – the study will also generate valuable, essential data and technical insight to plan for and manage the future needs of our road and rail freight network.
The role of rail in the grain industry supply chain will be considered, along with opportunities to increase its share in the freight task. Existing grain silos will also be mapped and examined while optimal locations for new ones will be identified together with sites that could benefit from additional intermodal hubs.
Other areas of focus will include projected routes, including transporting grain from farms to grain receival centres and viewing the supply chains from processing and manufacturing facilities to key export gateways.
Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne, said: “We know how important the grain industry is, which is why we’re investing in this study to keep the grain supply chain moving – not only now, but well into the future. The study will prove vital in developing a safer and stronger road and rail freight network, delivering long term freight efficiencies and benefits to the industry.”
The remainder of the $250,000 cost will be sourced from a variety of bodies including Great South Coast, Wimmera Southern Mallee and Central Highlands Regional partnerships and associated Local Government Authorities in the region.
