Construction of Stage 1 of the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct has commenced, according to an announcement by project operator, National Intermodal, and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, The Hon Catherine King MP.
National Intermodal said the constructions marks an important milestone in the delivery of Australia’s largest and most advanced logistics hub.
Upon its completion the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct will be Australia’s largest intermodal precinct.
Endorsed by the Australian Government’s independent review of Inland Rail, and supported by its two-terminal strategy for Melbourne, this project aims to transform Australia’s supply chain infrastructure.
The project has a strategic location on the Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane rail line, and once operational it will facilitate the transfer of goods from the ports at Melbourne and Geelong around the world.
The 1,100-hectare site in Beveridge is situated in the Whittlesea and Mitchell municipalities and is approximately 50 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD.
The freight terminal area and associated industries for the precinct are forecast to create up to 10,000 jobs in the region and accommodate up to 100,000 people in the next 30 years.
National Intermodal said the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct will significantly enhance competition in the rail freight sector by ensuring independent, open access arrangements for all industry participants and offer the ability to provide freight services across Melbourne and through to Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.
Located on the Inland Rail route, the 900 hectare-site with 400 hectares of developable land will have the ability to offer the efficiency of double-stacked container services for 1,800-metre freight trains to Perth via Parkes, and to Brisbane on completion of Inland Rail.
The project’s Stage 1 will deliver Melbourne’s only terminal capable of receiving and servicing double-stacked Inland Rail trains and will target operations in mid-2028 with initial capacity for up to 200,000 TEU annually.
Stage 2 will include a co-located industrial warehouse precinct and terminal capacity expansion and on completion, will be able to process around 500,000 TEU per year.
In addition, the development has around 500 hectares of land preserved for green wedge and other long-term environmental and social benefits and will also have complementary activities including food & beverage and lifestyle amenities, accommodation, and servicing.
John Holland Group has been appointed as the main contractor for Stage 1 with site preparation and construction to begin in the new year.
Upon completion, the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct is expected to inject $14 billion into the Victorian economy, including $12 billion in local uplift across the Whittlesea–Mitchell Shire, and support over 17,000 jobs at the project’s peak, National Intermodal reported.
National Intermodal will work with industry to target 70 per cent of these jobs to be held by the local workforce.
The project will significantly contribute to the decarbonisation of Australia’s transport sector, according to the project operator.
As the southern endpoint of Inland Rail, efficiencies created by the precinct will drive a modal shift of freight from road to rail, with the resultant removal of 167,000 truck trips from roads each year.
This shift is calculated to reduce transport emissions by 12.1 million tonnes of CO₂ over 25 years from national and greater Melbourne areas.
The precinct also includes the potential to generate up to 200MW of renewable energy, as it takes advantage of the rooftop solar opportunities arising from over 300 hectares of industrial warehouse precinct scale.
National Intermodal CEO, James Baulderstone said: “The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct is a transformative project that will reshape how everyday consumer products are managed, processed and delivered into homes across Australia.
“This is about working together to build world-class infrastructure that supports industry, increases the resilience and productivity of the nation’s supply chain and importantly, delivers everyday products to households and businesses for a lower cost.”
John Holland CEO, Nick Miller, said: “Having previously partnered with National Intermodal and the Australian Government in the delivery of the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal we’re proud to be working together again to deliver this critical project at Beveridge.
“John Holland brings decades of experience in rail infrastructure delivery and our team is looking forward to strengthening our relationship and working collaboratively with National Intermodal as the precinct comes to life.
“This project will provide real improvements to the country’s supply chain, while reducing emissions. It will make a genuine difference.”
The Australian Logistics Council welcomes the Federal Government’s $1.62 billion investment in the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, a nationally significant project that will strengthen Australia’s freight network and support more efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.
ALC Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dr Hermione Parsons, described the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct as critical to Australia’s freight network, as it “supports industry growth, enhances supply chain efficiency, and drives decarbonisation”.
Dr. Parsons said the precinct “provides opportunities to grow local skills and develop a modern logistics workforce capable of operating advanced freight infrastructure”.
ALC said it will continue working with government, National Intermodal, and industry partners to ensure the precinct delivers measurable improvements for freight operators, customers, and the broader economy.
Beveridge Intermodal Precinct Features:
- Stage 1 will provide access into Inland Rail south network, rail marshalling and terminal infrastructure capable of processing initial capacity of 200,000 TEU p.a.
- Stage 1 operations target date of mid-2028 to deliver Melbourne’s first terminal capable of receiving 1800-metre, double stacked Inland Rail trains.
- Stage 2 planning will include an associated 200 hectares co-located industrial land precinct and terminal capacity expansion.
- Efficiencies created will significantly lower the costs of moving freight across the country to the direct benefit of Australian consumers.
- The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct will deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits.
- Benefits include $14 billion for Victoria and creation of 17,000+ jobs.
- 70 per cent of new jobs targeted for locals in Mitchell and Whittlesea Council areas.
- Integration of up to 200 MW of rooftop solar and battery storage.
- $900 million investment in the Camerons Lane interchange.
- Removal of 167,000 annual truck trips and the associated reduction of 12.1 million tonnes of CO₂ over next 25 years.
- About 500 hectares preserved for green wedge and other environmental and social benefits.
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