The Federal and Victorian Governments have announced planning funding will be made available for the proposed western Interstate Freight Terminal (WIFT), a facility that has the potential to take over 700,000 trucks off the city’s rouads.

 

Federal Infrastructure Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Victorian Roads Minister, terry Mulder, announced that $5 million will be made available for a pre-feasibility study. If given the final go ahead, the project would build an interstate terminal and freight precinct at Truganina in Melbourne’s west as well as a link to the Interstate Rail Freight Network.

 

“The WIFT would reduce truck movements in Melbourne’s inner west, open up land side capacity for the Port of Melbourne, Australia’s largest container and general cargo port, and enhance Victoria’s reputation as the nation’s freight and logistics hub,” said Mr Mulder.

 

“And with forecasts showing interstate rail freight through Melbourne will triple by 2030, it is important to plan now to ensure the right infrastructure is in place to meet demand.