Construction begins on $1.62bn Beveridge Intermodal Precinct

The first sod has been turned to signal the beginning of construction of the $1.62 billion Beveridge Intermodal Precinct in Melbourne’s north. 

This precinct will become the largest and most advanced logistics hub in Australia, and it will transform how freight moves across the country while injecting billions of dollars into the Victorian and national economies – including $14 billion into the Victorian economy, with $12 billion in local uplift across the Whittlesea-Mitchell Shire. 

“The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct is a critical part of Australia’s future freight network, and today’s announcement brings us one step closer to making it a reality. 

“The precinct will support thousands of jobs during construction and beyond, while helping businesses move their products faster and more reliably. 

“This is the single biggest infrastructure investment in our community by any government in history and I am proud to be part of that,” Federal Member for McEwan Rob Mitchell said. 

The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct will be built directly adjacent to the Inland Rail freight corridor, making it optimally located to connect with Sydney and Perth via Parkes and directly to Brisbane once Inland Rail is completed. 

With key approvals now in place, site preparation will commence paving the way for main construction activities to begin early next year. 

“Today marks a major milestone as the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct moves from planning to delivery. 

“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,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

John Holland has been appointed as the main contractor for Stage 1 of the project, following a competitive procurement process. 

The first stage of works will deliver access to the Inland Rail south network as well as rail marshalling and terminal infrastructure capable of processing an initial capacity of 200,000 TEU annually. 

Stage 1 is anticipated to be completed by mid-2028, delivering Melbourne’s only terminal capable of receiving and servicing double-stacked Inland Rail trains. 

“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,” John Holland CEO Nick Miller said. 

The second stage of Beveridge Intermodal Precinct will include a co-located industrial warehouse precinct and terminal capacity expansion. Once this stage is completed, the precinct will be able to process up to 500,000 TEU per year. 

The development of the precinct will also involve around 500 hectares of land preserved for green wedge alongside other long-term environmental and social benefits. Complementary activities such as food and beverage and lifestyle amenities, accommodation and servicing will be included as well. 

Once up and running, the open access Beveridge Intermodal Precinct will help reduce freight costs, ease road congestion and boost supply chain efficiency and competition. This project will also remove 167,000 truck trips from roads each year by shifting freight transport from road to rail. 

Each train pulling into the precinct will replace about 110 trucks. Not only will this modal shift reduce emissions by 12.1 million tonnes of CO2 over 25 years, but it will also cut particulate pollution by 92 per cent compared to road freight operations – significantly contribution to the decarbonisation of Australia’s transport sector. 

In addition, the precinct will have the potential to generate up to 200MW of renewable energy as it takes advantage of the rooftop solar opportunities from over 300 hectares of industrial warehouse precinct scale. 

The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct is fully funded by the Australian Government, who has also committed $900 million towards a new interchange at Camerons Lane to help ease congestion for all road users in the surrounding area as trucks begin and end their journeys in the new precinct. 

This development is expected to create 8,000 jobs within the precinct and will support more than 17,000 jobs at its peak. About 70 per cent of the workforce will live locally in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. 

“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 project will not only stimulate $14 billion in economic uplift in Victoria and create over 17,000 jobs for local residents but also deliver real environmental benefits for Australia and the greater Melbourne area, including taking 167,000 truck trips off our roads each year and cutting emissions by more than 12 million tonnes. 

“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,” National Intermodal CEO James Baulderstone said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; National Intermodal (1, 2); Mitchell Shire Council