GlobeLink freight plan at Monarto a Murray Bridge game changer

An intermodal — multiple transport — export park would be a “game-changer” for the Murray Bridge region, Mayor Brenton Lewis says.

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An intermodal — multiple transport — export park would be a “game-changer” for the Murray Bridge region, Mayor Brenton Lewis says.

The Liberal Government’s proposed GlobeLink freight plan would bring hundreds of jobs to the region, he said, while increasing export opportunities for the area’s existing food processing businesses.

GlobeLink is a multibillion-dollar plan, including an export freight park and 24-hour export airport at Monarto.

It would also reroute heavy road and rail freight out of suburban Adelaide.

Artists impressions of proposed new rail and road corridor linking Port Adelaide to a planned 24-hour export airport near Monarto. Picture: Supplied

The Government last year issued a tender for the planning work that will underpin the project. Mr Lewis said the region was a “logical” base for the intermodal export park and airport.

“Murray Bridge has a very, very strong food processing and manufacturing industry so this would absolutely boost the potential for exporting local products,” he said. “One of the greatest things that could happen on this side of the state would be GlobeLink. It would be an absolute game-changer. Without it, we are going to become a backwater.”

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephan Knoll said the Government had committed $20 million to develop the GlobeLink business case.

“GlobeLink will deliver a generational upgrade of SA’s freight infrastructure as we seek to grow our economy through strong export growth,” he said.