Salta Founding Director Sam Tarascio Snr said he was delighted to reach an agreement with the Victorian Government after investing millions developing the Nexus Dandenong South Intermodal Estate.
"We have been working extensively with the State Government to get to this point and it is satisfying to know that the facility will be connected directly with the Port of Melbourne," Mr Tarascio said.
"This has been a long-term project, where we set out to work with industry and government to provide the best possible inland port infrastructure to Melbourne's south east, providing an efficient route to market for both importers and exporters.
"Over the past 15 years, Salta has developed plans to increase freight capacity in the outer Melbourne area. Operations at POM are limited by the availability and capacity of trucks to transport freight via road causing serious congestion in and around the POM.
"Salta's new rail freight terminal will provide opportunities for operators to switch freight transport from road to rail. This will ease congestion, reduce costs, and provide greater opportunities for imports and exports in the South-east of Melbourne," he said.
City of Greater Dandenong Mayor, Cr. Jim Memeti, said his Council was elated to see this project come to fruition.
"We are incredibly excited to be working closely with Salta and the State Government to deliver this much needed infrastructure project within our city, Cr Memeti said.
"Not only will this benefit local business and industry, but will also provide new employment opportunities for residents across the south east region. The many benefits of this project will be recognised for years to come and will provide a welcome boost to our business economy."
Also welcoming the announcement was Vonda Fenwick, CEO of South East Melbourne Manufacturers' Alliance who said the Inland Port offered a cost-effective alternative to road transport.
"It will also benefit the South East by reducing traffic congestion and taking container transport vehicles off the Monash Freeway and arterial roads," Ms Fenwick said.
"The construction of the rail tracks and container terminal will generate employment in the area with a positive economic flow-on to the broader Dandenong community .
The terminal will eventually have expansive storage facilities for both empty and full containers consisting of 110,000 square metres of hard stand, with the ability for two additional rail spurs within the terminal to service increased demand. |
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