The Charles Sturt University associate professor spoke about the revival of rail freight and the importance of the industry at a lecture at Thurgoona yesterday,

He said Ettamogah had been hailed as a success story, but questioned the need for a competing hub in Wodonga.

Wodonga Council has had advanced discussions with the Victorian government about building a new hub at the Logic Centre.

“It’s probably not a good thing to have too much competition,” Dr Gray said.

“We should have some co-operation and co-ordination on these issues.

“It’s clearly a case where it would be beneficial to have a transport plan for the region which involves intermodal hubs like the one operating at Ettamogah.”

Councils played an important role in furthering rail freight with the state government and rail industry, he said.

“It’s quite feasible for local government and the rail industry to work together,” Dr Gray said.

“That could develop not just the rail industry itself but further industries that might not be possible without rail.

“Rail hubs are a growing means of bringing the road and train freight industries together as partners.”

Dr Gray said rail played an important role in freight movement but had been held back by a lack of infrastructure spending.

“But it has improved in recent years,” he said.