Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese puts out the call to tenders to build the controversial Moorebank intermodal terminal
April 23, 2012
An intermodal terminal in Sydney’s south-west will be a reality by 2017, according to the Federal Government, which today put out the call to tenders to start work on the controversial project.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese today announced terminal at Moorebank will go ahead, despite significant opposition from locals.
Albanese says the terminal, which will transfer freight from trucks to rail, will take 3300 trucks off Sydney roads each day. He says the site will, in future, be expanded to include an interstate freight terminal.
“Today the government is announcing its intention to call for tenders from the private sector to design, build and operate an intermodal terminal at Moorebank,” Albanese says.
“The Moorebank Intermodal Terminal project will see a rail link constructed from Sydney’s busy Port Botany to a new freight terminal and warehousing facilities at Moorebank. This will enable freight to be more efficiently transported by rail, providing much-needed relief for Sydney drivers.”
Albanese says Moorebank is the ideal location for an intermodal terminal given its close proximity to the M5, M7 and the Southern Sydney freight line.
“It’s anticipated 1650 full time jobs will be created during construction, and a further 1700 people could be employed in the Liverpool region once the project is up and running,” he says.
“Subject to planning and environmental approvals, the open-access terminal will be open for business in 2017.”
Albanese says the terminal is forecast to inject $135 million a year into the economy of south-western Sydney and that Australian businesses using Port Botany will benefit through reduced freight costs and diesel emissions.
“Private sector operators for the project will be selected through an open and competitive tender process. The tender process will be managed by a Government Business Enterprise, to be established, and which will include an experienced private sector board with a strong commercial focus,” Albanese says.
Locals have attempted to stop the construction of the terminal, fearing it will lead to traffic congestion and environmental and health problems.
