The Port of Portland today welcomed the news that the Portland – Maroona standard gauge rail line would be acquired by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

The Federal and Victorian Governments today announced that this line would be acquired by the ARTC which is a wholly Federal Government owned corporation as part of a strategy to enhance rail services in Victoria and South Australia.  

“The move is in line with our submission to the Tim Fischer led Rail Freight Network Review and an action item in the Port of Portland Port Land Use Strategy. The ARTC is a natural owner of this important infrastructure link to the Port.  It specialises in operating rail lines and will invest in upgrading this line,” said Port of Portland Chief Executive, Mr Scott Paterson.  

“We see this as an important first step in revitalising rail services in Western Victoria and in South Australia.  This line links up with the Melbourne – Adelaide line so it is integral to state and interstate services,” said Mr Paterson.

“It is also used by Graincorp to transport grains destined for export markets.  

“As this line includes Heywood, there is now a strong business case for reopening the Heywood – Mt Gambier standard gauge line.  If this line was to be reopened, it would support rail transport of a far greater proportion of woodchips sent to Portland from the Green Triangle Region.  

“The Victorian Government’s desire is to see rail increase its market share of freight transported to ports to 30 per cent.  We believe the ARTC taking over the Portland – Maroona line will certainly assist and the reopening of the Heywood – Mt. Gambier line would be a very significant boost for rail,” said Mr Paterson.