BUSINESS owners and farmers are calling on the federal government to invest in the Riverina’s freight capabilities to ensure maximum export opportunities.
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The call comes following the announcement of two proposals for an inland freight rail route from Brisbane to Melbourne.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) proposes to utilise existing tracks in Victoria and southern New South Wales and construct new tracks through northern NSW and Queensland.
In an effort to reach high-producing areas Nation Trunk Rail (NTR) proposes to run new tracks through Victorian and southern NSW reaching Shepparton, Tocumwal and Narrandera.
Prune farmer Peter Raccanello said Riverina growers and producers need access to major international ports to allow increased export opportunities and customer growth.
"It would be ideal if the Riverina can connect to Darwin because it is the gateway for major international export and it would allow us to increase our exports to Asia," he said. "We need to invest in reliable and quick freight options because the further north we go the better access to international customers, giving Riverina farmers more export capabilities.”
Mr Raccanello believes the Riverina should not be limited to only rail and road freight and hopes to see air freight become a reality for the area in the near future.
"Air freight will really benefit existing industries like fresh fruit and veg but it may also allow us to diversify what we grow and develop new industries in the area," he said.
"We are the food bowl of Australia so there is certainly a need for bulk freight options and air freight will allow us to target the higher end of the market, making a huge difference to what and where we export to.”
While ARTC claims its option will be more cost-effective to construct Grain Link manager Paul Pearsall believes the government should seriously consider the NTR option to allow businesses and farmers to maximise their export capabilities.
“If the government is serious about getting freight onto rail then they need to go where the freight and the food bowl areas of Australia are located,” he said
Mr Pearsall said access to reliable and efficient rail networks will allow for agribusiness to grow and produce higher savings in freight transportation.
"All our industries and businesses are going to grow but whether they double within five years or 10 is dependent on access to logistics and freight.”
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