Grain growers fear productivity will be compromised after a decision by V/Line to shut major rail freight lines once temperatures hit 33 degrees.
A network service plan released by the regional rail operator shows freight on the Swan Hill, Echuca, Shepparton, Murrayville, Mildura and Dimboola-Yaapeet lines would be stopped during the day if temperatures reach 33 degrees.
Freight on the Manangatang and Sea Lake lines would stop at 36 degrees.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) grains president Brett Hosking said V/Line was “effectively shutting down rail freight for the northwest of the state for two months during the most critical time of the year”.
Mr Hosking said a cut-off point of around 40 degrees would be a more suitable outcome.
V/Line restricts the speed of trains when steel tracks expand in the heat.
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