The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has welcomed the Federal Government’s $1.62 billion investment in the Beverage Intermodal Precinct.
Considered nationally significant, the project is expected to strengthen Australia’s freight network and support more efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.
Located at the southern terminus of the Melbourne–Sydney interstate rail corridor, the precinct will enable a modal shift from road to rail, improving freight efficiency and unlocking billions in economic benefits for Victoria and the national economy.
With site preparation works commencing shortly and main construction scheduled for early 2026, the precinct will deliver Melbourne’s only terminal capable of servicing double-stacked Inland Rail trains.
National Intermodal is developing the first of these terminals on a 1,100 hectare site at Beveridge in Melbourne’s north.
Delivery of an initial rail terminal (Stage 1A) is targeted 12-18 months following this, to provide the market with access to an independent terminal.
Stage 1 is targeting mid-2028 operations with capacity for up to 200,000 20-foot-equivalent units (TEUs) annually.
Double-stacked trains will operate between Melbourne and Perth via Parkes in New South Wales, supporting faster, more efficient, and lower-emission long-haul freight.
The precinct is designed to deliver smarter, more sustainable infrastructure. By shifting freight from road to rail, it is expected to:
• Remove 167,000 truck trips annually, with each train replacing up to 110 trucks.
• Reduce emissions by 12.1 million tonnes of CO₂ over 25 years.
• Cut particulate pollution by 92 per cent compared with road freight.
Approximately 500 hectares of land will be preserved for green wedge and other long-term environmental uses.
The precinct will also integrate renewable energy solutions, with the potential for up to 200 MW of rooftop solar and battery storage, delivering lasting environmental and social benefits.
The project includes a $900 million investment in the new Camerons Lane interchange, improving freight
access and easing congestion for all road users in the surrounding area.
The precinct is expected to create 8,000 direct jobs and support over 17,000 jobs at peak, with around 70 per cent of the workforce sourced locally from Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
“The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct is a critical piece of infrastructure for Australia’s freight network. It supports industry growth, enhances supply chain efficiency, and drives decarbonisation. Importantly, it also provides opportunities to grow local skills and develop a modern logistics workforce capable of operating advanced freight infrastructure,” said ALC Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dr Hermione Parsons.
“It is encouraging to see resilience and productivity recognised as national priorities, particularly in the
context of the freight challenges ahead.
“The precinct demonstrates how targeted infrastructure investment, combined with industry collaboration,
can deliver measurable benefits for operators, communities, and the broader economy.”
ALC will continue to work with government, National Intermodal, and other industry partners to ensure the precinct delivers measurable outcomes and maximum value for freight operators, customers, and the
broader community.
In other news IKEA has initiated a massive EV charging station project.
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