NATIONAL Intermodal has exercised an option to acquire 1100 hectares of land at Beveridge previously identified as a site for an intermodal terminal in northern Melbourne.
The company, owned by the Australian government, said the site would be able to handle double-stacked services for 1800-metre freight trains to Perth (via Parkes) and Brisbane (upon completion of Inland Rail).
It will also enable a more efficient rail service connection into the federal government-supported Moorebank Interstate Terminal in Sydney.
National Intermodal said the next steps for the terminal would be guided by the Inland Rail Review and the Australian government’s response to it.
The company said early planning is underway to support potential interstate rail services at Beveridge as soon as possible, with full terminal and precinct warehouse operations by 2028-29.
The precinct will also see upgrades to key road corridors including the Camerons Lane/Hume Highway intersection.
Qube sold its option to acquire the Beveridge land to National Intermodal in March of last year.
Aurizon MoU
National Intermodal has also announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Aurizon as the foundation customer for the Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal.
National Intermodal CEO James Baulderstone said the acquisition of the land at Beveridge is an important milestone in the development of Melbourne’s modern, efficient intermodal terminals.
“The Beveridge terminal when operational will greatly enhance the resilience of our national supply chain,” he said.
“We have been pleased with industries’ interest, both as a customer and also partner in the development of Melbourne intermodal terminals. Aurizon’s interest in the Beveridge terminal is a genuine demonstration of industry support for new, independent, interstate terminal capacity.”
Mr Balderstone said National Intermodal would continue its engagement with other industry participants who have expressed significant interest in the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct and who share the vision of a revitalised rail freight sector.
