Freight on Track: The Victorian Rail Freight Plan 2026–2036, launched by the Victorian Government on 16 September 2026, sets out a long-term approach to planning and investment in Victoria’s rail freight network.
The plan has been developed in partnership with industry and follows the Victorian Freight Plan, released in August 2025, which identified the importance of rail freight to Victoria’s competitiveness and liveability.
Salta has worked in partnership with the Victorian Government to advance delivery of the Dandenong South Inland Port. The Victorian Rail Freight Plan provides an important framework for continued investment in the rail network-supporting Victoria’s economic growth, reducing road congestion and delivering lasting environmental benefits.
Supporting a growing freight network
The Victorian Government says the plan is designed to improve the capacity, resilience and efficiency of the rail freight network, while helping reduce emissions.
For businesses moving goods across Victoria and to markets beyond the state, rail freight forms part of an integrated transport network connecting regional producers, freight facilities and ports.
Regional freight trains currently transport more than $2 billion of freight each year, including agricultural products, paper products and mineral sands.
The Victorian Government has invested almost $600 million in Victoria’s regional rail freight network, supporting:
- heavier axle loads
- increased train speeds
- improved reliability
- new and extended passing loops
- increased capacity on key rail freight routes.
New freight infrastructure in Melbourne’s south-east
The plan comes as Victoria’s freight infrastructure continues to expand.
At Dandenong South, Salta Properties is due to begin construction of an Inland Freight Terminal in 2027. The terminal will become a south-east Melbourne hub for the $58 million Port Rail Shuttle Network, a joint initiative of the Australian and Victorian governments.
Since 2025, the Port Rail Shuttle Network has moved containers by rail from Somerton to the Port of Melbourne, with the aim of taking trucks off the road and reducing emissions and costs for businesses.
For investors considering manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, resources or other freight-intensive operations in Victoria, the continued development of rail and intermodal infrastructure forms part of the state’s broader freight network.
A longer-term framework for investment
The Victorian Rail Freight Plan provides a 10-year framework for planning the rail freight network, with a focus on ensuring infrastructure can support future freight demand.
The Victorian Government says the plan recognises the role of rail freight in supporting investment, new freight facilities and businesses moving goods on a fast and safe rail network.
For businesses assessing locations or planning future investment in Victoria, the development of freight infrastructure is an important consideration alongside access to markets, ports, suppliers, workforce and other enabling infrastructure.
Find out more about Victoria’s freight and logistics capabilities and how Invest Victoria can support your investment plans.
