The government has announced $8.5 million to upgrade rail sidings at Warracknabeal, Beulah, Donald, Rainbow, Murtoa and Nhill. 

GrainCorp Victoria regional manager Peter Johnston said the investment would deliver significant benefits across an important regional industry. 

“The state government’s investment complements GrainCorp’s own investment of up to $80 million across key sites on the Victorian rail network,” he said.

“These upgrades will deliver improved rail efficiency for the users of GrainCorp’s open network and reduce costs.”

Mr Johnston said Wimmera grain growers would benefit from this investment.

“Greater rail efficiency will unlock at least $5 a tonne that goes into their pockets through sharper prices for their grain,” he said.

“The many customers using our network will also benefit from significantly improved rail efficiency, allowing them to get Victoria’s crop to its destination as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“Communities will see a major reduction in heavy vehicle movements as about half a million tonnes of grain each year is returned to rail.

“This means less wear and tear on roads and improved safety. Investment in the government-owned rail infrastructure is critical to GrainCorp’s ability to deliver the benefits of our major Project Regeneration initiative.“ 

Mr Johnston said he hoped the federal government would deliver a similar investment in Australian Rail Track Corporation infrastructure at Murtoa and Nhill. 

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the investment would create 240 jobs.

“The state government is investing in Victoria to get product to port more efficiently, supporting farmers, their families and our regional economy,” she said.

The funding is part of the government’s Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund and will lead to an additional 500,000 tonnes of grain a year being transported by rail. 

GrainCorp sites at Ouyen, Manangatang, Yarrawonga, Yelta, Wycheproof, Quambatook, Dunolly, Murrayville, Boore, Piangil and Oaklands will also be upgrade. 

Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said the government was determined to get grain moving to the ports quicker, make the country roads safer and grow the export potential of farmers.

She said rail carried about 50 per cent of grain to the Port of Geelong and 20 per cent to the Port of Portland. “Victoria exported $1.36 billion in grains in 2014-15 and this initiative will boost the export potential,” she said.