SEYMOUR will be subject to a freight review, with money poured into the Seymour Freight Network Study with joint funding from the State Government and the Mitchell Shire Council (MSC).
The announcement was made last Wednesday by Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne, with the State Government contributing $45,000 to the $90,000, jointly funded by MSC.
The $90,000 project 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.
Freight volumes are predicted to increase from around 360 million tonnes in 2014 to nearly 900 million tonnes in 2051.
Ms Horne said the study was an important project for Seymour.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said this would create more local jobs in Seymour.
“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,” she said.
MSC Mayor Councillor John Dougall said he was looking forward to combining with the government for the study.
“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,” he said.
