The first sod has been turned at the $1.62 billion Beveridge Intermodal Precinct in Melbourne’s north, marking construction of Australia’s largest and most advanced logistics hub.
The site is located at the southern terminus of the inland rail freight corridor, with key approvals now in place and site preparation works to begin.
Main construction will start early next year, with the federal government saying the open access precinct will reduce freight costs, ease road congestion and boost supply chain efficiency and competition.
With each train replacing up to 110 trucks, the precinct promises to remove 167,000 truck trips from roads each year.
“This marks a major milestone as the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct moves from planning to delivery,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
“As we work to move more freight from our roads to rail, Beveridge will play a key role in marshalling freight from the port and across Victoria, sending it onto destinations across the country via our rail network.
“Strong local supply chains often go unnoticed, but they are vital to ensure goods make it to shelves and shopfronts.
“With site preparation works now starting, the freight hub here at Beveridge will play a key role in our supply chain, while supporting local jobs and boosting our nation’s economy.
“By making it easier and more efficient to move freight, the Albanese government’s investment in new open access intermodals, and inland rail will reduce supply chain costs, with those savings benefitting Australians at the checkout.”
On the environment side, the modal shift is expected to reduce emissions by 12.1 million carbon emission tonnes over 25 years and cut participate pollution by 92 per cent compared to road freight.
The federal government has also committed $900 towards a new interchange at Camerons Lane, easing congestions in the surrounding area as trucks begin and end journeys at a new precinct.
The first stage of the project will also deliver the only Melbourne terminal capable of receiving and servicing double stacked inland rail trains, targeting mid-2028 operations with capacity for up to 200,000 20-foot-equivalent units annually.
Once operational, double stacked trains will be able to run between Melbourne and Perth, via Parkes in the New South Wales central west.
The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has welcomed the federal government’s $1.62 billion investment in the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct.
“The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct is a critical piece of infrastructure for Australia’s freight network. It supports industry growth, enhances supply chain efficiency and drives decarbonisation,” ALC CEO Dr Hermione Parsons says.
“Importantly, it also provides opportunities to grow local skills and develop a modern logistics workforce capable of operating advanced freight infrastructure.
“It is encouraging to see resilience and productivity recognised as national priorities, particularly in the context of the freight challenges ahead.
“The precinct demonstrates how targeted infrastructure investment, combined with industry collaboration, can deliver measurable benefits for operators, communities and the broader economy.”