The Allan Labor Government is investing in the future of Victoria's freight industry, with new funding allocated to review freight transport movements in Seymour.
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne today announced a $45,000 Labor Government investment through the Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program to begin work on the Seymour Freight Network Study.
The $90,000 project - jointly funded with the Mitchell Shire Council - will review freight transport movement around Seymour, including analysis on local road freight options to connect to and from the Hume Freeway and the Goulburn Valley Highway.
The study will undertake modelling of population growth, regional economic development and industry forecasts, along with freight demand projections, future potential network restrictions and supply chain opportunities within Seymour.
Experts will also assess infrastructure requirements and improvements needed to support the movement of freight vehicles through Seymour.
The freight and logistics sector contributes $36 billion to Victoria's economy and employs about 260,000 Victorians - which is why future-proofing the freight industry is crucial for our regional towns.
Freight volumes are predicted to increase from around 360 million tonnes in 2014 to nearly 900 million tonnes in 2051, and we need to ensure that our freight network can handle this growth.
The Labor Government's $45,000 investment supports evidence-based transport and freight studies to inform investment decisions leading to the more efficient movement of freight at local levels.
As stated by Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
"By investing in projects like the Seymour Freight Network Study, we're future-proofing the freight industry and ensuring jobs and economic security for our regional Victorian towns."
"Maintaining and investing in our freight network ensures that goods are getting where they need to go, and that we're creating jobs across the state."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"This investment will help ensure Seymour has the right infrastructure in place to support local jobs, industries and the safe movement of freight now and into the future."
As stated by Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall
"We thank the Victorian Government for partnering with Council to fund this important study. Combining our local knowledge with expert analysis will allow us to make informed decisions that improve safety, efficiency, and connectivity for freight movements through Seymour."
