The Australian Government today released the Infrastructure Investment Program Strategic Review (“Review”).
This announcement and the associated funding decisions result in no changes to existing National Intermodal programs.
National Intermodal CEO James Baulderstone said: “We are embarking on an active program including the development of the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct in Melbourne’s north, and we’re working with the Australian and state governments on progressing precincts in NSW and Queensland. Today’s announcement leaves our program unchanged.“
The Australian Government remains committed to providing $3.4 billion for Melbourne Intermodal terminals including the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct and road connections as well as the Western Interstate Freight Terminal at Truganina with the Outer Metropolitan Ring Rail South connection.
This includes:
- Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, Victoria
National Intermodal is leading the development of an independent, open access intermodal terminal at Beveridge on behalf of the Australian Government. This is funded with an equity investment of $1.6 billion from the Australian Government and is not impacted by the Review. National Intermodal recently lodged its planning and environmental submissions for Stage 1A Early Works with the relevant authorities. In parallel, the Beveridge market engagement EOI process continues as per the program outlined on the National Intermodal website: Melbourne – Beveridge – National Intermodal - Camerons Lane Interchange, Victoria
The Commonwealth is providing $150 million towards a new junction on the Hume Highway at Beveridge (Camerons Lane Interchange) Whilst this is a separate project to the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, it will deliver improved access to growing communities around Beveridge and improve connectivity for future stages of the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct. - Western Intermodal Freight Precinct (WIFT), Victoria
The Australian Government grant funding of $61.8 million for the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal – Planning and Development program will continue. This project involves the Australian and Victorian Governments jointly undertaking further scoping and planning work to inform investment decisions regarding the delivery of an intermodal terminal at Truganina (WIFT) and connecting Outer Metropolitan Ring (OMR) Rail South infrastructure. The Australian Government has also committed $740 million for the WIFT and $920 million for OMR Rail South projects. - Parkes Terminal
Parkes terminal feasibility investigations are continuing using National Intermodal equity and are not subject to the Review.
What is not continuing?
A small amount of funding previously allocated for the “Business Case for Melbourne Inland Rail Intermodal Terminal” is not being continued. This work will continue under the above commitments and has no consequence for the delivery of either the Beveridge or WIFT terminals.
