RAIL freight operator Aurizon has invested $5 million in the development of a multi-modal rail terminal at Port of Townsville.

Aurizon’s port investment program involves investing in a direct rail corridor into Aurizon Port Services’ container and handling park, with almost two kilometres of track across three rail lines.

The $5 million investment is part of stage two of the program, which also includes a 270-metre runway for heavy-lift reach-stackers to directly access trainloads and the container park, and upgrades to allow for efficient truck movements to the site.

Stage one of the project involved a $2 million investment which covered the construction of a concrete pad “with capacity for 1200 shipping containers” according to the company. Stage one was completed in June last year.

Aurizon Port Services manager Jackie Gregory said the development of a multi-modal terminal will give Aurizon a platform for growth throughout the next decade.

“Aurizon has a growing list of industrial and mining customers here in the North who are keen to grow their business and tap into a seamless logistics chain between the North West Minerals Province and the port,” Ms Gregory said.

“It means that Aurizon Port Services can deliver the capacity for our growing tonnages here at the port and continue to drive productivity and operational improvements for the benefit of both our customers and the Aurizon business.”

Aurizon Port Services integrates with Aurizon’s existing bulk rail haulage operations between Townsville and Mount Isa.

The port investment program builds off Aurizon’s stated intention to harness the economic, environmental and safety benefits of putting more bulk freight on rail on the Mount Isa corridor.

Ms Gregory said Aurizon Port Services sees strong growth in the region that extends beyond commodities such as copper, lead and zinc.

“We are now seeing the development of those future-facing commodities that will fuel and the feed the world in the decades to come such as vanadium and high-grade phosphate.”

Local contractors Gabrielli Construction, who delivered stage one of the project, were re-engaged for the stage two works.

Work commenced on the site in June and is scheduled for completion in late 2022.