An $8 million freight processing facility opened yesterday at Avalon Airport near Geelong in Victoria is set to operate 24 hours a day with the capacity to process 100,000 tonnes of cargo.
The facility was officially opened by the Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks, who said it would be a “game-changer” for Victoria, speeding up deliveries and creating jobs for the region.
Melbourne Avalon Airport CEO Ari Suss said the completion of the project reflected the “strong partnership between Melbourne Avalon Airport and the State Government in building the infrastructure that underpins Victoria’s trade and logistics future”.
The new facility represents a tenfold increase in the current capacity of the airport and the inclusion of advanced scanning technology makes it one of the first airports in Australia to comply with new Border Force security screening standards.
Adding a bit of excitement to the day was the news the facility will process sets and equipment for the upcoming Lady Gaga and concerts. It will also handle motorsport freight for major events such as MotoGP, Formula 1 and World Superbikes.
Minister for Roads and Freight Melissa Horne says having the extra capacity at Avalon would have flow on effects on traffic between Melbourne and Geelong.
“Avalon’s new facility provides Victoria with a second international freight gateway and will help ease pressure and congestion on our roads and Melbourne International Airport.”