The Future of Rail Freight Is Under Threat

Published on 24 February 2026

Mayors from across Rural, Regional and Metropolitan Municipalities have called on Premier Allan to support the future of Rail Freight in Victoria. The Mayors are members of the Rail Freight Alliance; a local government advocacy body whose mission is to grow Victoria’s freight task to rail.

As part of the redevelopment of the Sunshine Station precinct, the rail crossovers are in danger of being removed. If the crossovers were to be removed, the only access for rail freight would be via Geelong. The additional distance, congestion, crewing and fuel cost for rail operators would push more trucks onto the already busy Victorian road network.

The most recent RACV road survey shows that road conditions are the biggest safety issue for Victorian motorists. Bigger, heavier and longer trucks are not the answer to Victoria’s growing freight task.

Rail freight offers a safer, economic and greener freight option, so long as the rail network is well maintained and accessible pathways are available. The removal of the Sunshine regional link crossovers would only allow freight to travel via the congested Geelong route. A growing city needs to be able to move people and freight in the most efficient manner, and more trucks and cars from our road network. 

Victoria needs freight, whether for export or import, goods, services or supermarket. The Mayors are calling on Premier Allan to grow rail freight and reduce heavy vehicles on Victorian roads.

One pathway for rail access into Melbourne will see more trucks on the Victorian road network. It is vital that the Victorian Government retains the Sunshine Regional Link Crossovers.

Hindmarsh Shire Council, Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay added “It is imperative that these crossovers are retained for rail freight to be viable. Should these crossovers be removed, it will substantially increase freight on roads that are already congested and deteriorating due to a substantial reduction in funding for Victorian roads.”

Hindmarsh Shire Council has been advocating to various members of parliament expressing our concerns regarding these crossovers.