Freight importers have questioned the state government's planned port rail shuttle network, which aims to bring more rail freight directly into the Port of Melbourne.

Announced in August 2020, the Port Rail Shuttle Network (PRSN) aims to "develop and upgrade" rail connections with Melbourne's intermodal terminals.

The government has claimed the shuttle is a key reason behind its decision to progressively reduce grants under the Mode Shift Incentive Scheme (MSIS), which assists rail operators who transport agricultural freight.

But Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Trade Alliance (FTA) Trade Policy and Operations General Manager Sal Milici said further work was required to ensure "operational readiness and effective integration (of the PRSN) with broader logistics networks".

Mr Milici said frustrations were growing that so little was known about the PRSN, especially with importers paying a levy for more than four years for an important part of the program, the Port Rail Transformation Project (PRTP). READ MORE

STOCK & LAND - Port rail shuttle progress questioned by freight importers, rail expert