Sunraysia Mallee Port Link (SMPL) project

Ouyen Inc is facilitating the Sunraysia Mallee Port Link (SMPL)  project.  It involves establishing a new intermodal (shipping container)  rail freight terminal 11 km south of Ouyen. It will fill a large gap in rail services for a diversified freight catchment region spanning Sunraysia, Mildura Rural City Council LGA, and parts of neighbouring municipalities.  It will deliver freight on rail to the ‘port of best fit’: Port of Melbourne and Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal.

Consultancy firm GHD Advisory’s comprehensive business case report for the SMPL found:

• the volume of intermodal freight in its freight catchment region was greater than one million tonnes or 65- 75,000 shipping containers with more than 80 percent transported to port via the road network.    
• potential freight demand of over 34,000 TEU pa to go on rail at Sunraysia Mallee Port Link

The project is shovel ready but needs the direct rail route to ports reinstated. It will provide a primary economic injection of $11.3 million per annum and provide up to 75 jobs.