A NEW era dawned for the rail industry of Junee yesterday when the first dedicated freight rail service in six years began its service from Junee to Sydney. Regional Rail Logistics made its maiden run at noon yesterday with a 25-wagon freight train carrying the equivalent of 250 semitrailers of bulk goods much to the delight of company general manager Steve Tzaneros and Junee mayor Lola Cummins. Councillor Cummins cut a ceremonial ribbon to make the occasion just before the engines were turned on for the first run. While the unemployment rate is increasing, the new business is expected prove a job boost to the region.Mr Tzaneros said there will be extra work in the loading yards and more locomotives to be serviced and maintained at the Junee Railway Workshop. “It will create some local jobs in the Junee and Cootamundra area. We have local contractors and forklift drivers. It would be around 20 new jobs.”Bulk goods exporters will also benefit from the rail alternative as there are no weight restrictions for goods and the service can offer a saving of 40 to 45 per cent compared to transport via road, according to Mr Tzaneros.Cr Cummins said the decision to operate out of Junee by the company was exciting news for the township. “A service like this has an enormous multiplier effect on local jobs, offers bulk goods exporters competitive pricing in the transport sector and takes pressure off the regions road network,” she said. The train will run three times a week from Junee.