Two new intermodal terminals are proposed to be built in Melbourne to provide an efficient freight interface with the Inland Rail Freight Corridor at its southern end, and accommodate double-stacked 1,800-metre freight trains.
The two terminals are:
- Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal (BIFT), and
- Western Interstate Freight Terminal (WIFT) at Truganina.
These terminals also include two corresponding connection projects, which will provide better access to the terminals. These include:
- the Outer Metropolitan Ring – South Rail connection to WIFT, and
- the BIFT road connections package, including the Cameron’s Lane Interchange.
Key Dates
| May 2021 | Project Announcement |
Funding contributions
| Federal Government | |
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The 2022-23 Federal Budget allocated $1.2 billion in funding to the two connection projects, including $920 million to the Outer Metropolitan Ring – South Rail connection to WIFT, and $280 million for the BIFT road connections package. |
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Financing
| Equity Finance: | National Intermodal Corporation |
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The 2022-23 Federal Budget committed $1.9 billion to the BIFT and WIFT projects, to be provided as 'equity' through the National Intermodal Corporation. This includes $1.2 billion for the BIFT, and $740 million for the WIFT. |
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Procurement
| Procuring Agency: | National Intermodal Corporation |
PROJECT HISTORY
| Jul 2018 | The 2018 to 2050 Victorian Freight Plan: Delivering the Goods identified Western Interstate Freight Terminal (WIFT) at Truganina and Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal (BIFT) as locations for potential future interstate freight terminals. The document further stated that the Victorian Government believed the WIFT should be developed first, and would align with the planned completion of Inland Rail Freight Corridor. |
| May 2021 | The 2021-22 Federal Budget committed $2 billion as a contingent allocation for the terminal, with the option for the money being delivered as an ‘equity investment’. The Federal Budget indicated the Federal Government's expectation for the Victorian Government to match its $2 billion commitment. However, no further details were provided in the 2021-22 Victorian Budget. The Federal Government further allocated $62 million for planning and development of the terminal. |
| Mar 2022 | The 2022-23 Federal Budget committed $3.1 billion for the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal Package over four years, including $1.9 billion in equity to be delivered through the National Intermodal Corporation, and $1.2 billion in funding. $1.2 billion was committed in equity for the BIFT project, while $740 million was committed in equity for the WIFT project. $920 million in funding was allocated to the Outer Metropolitan Ring – South Rail connection to WIFT, and $280 million in funding was allocated for road connections to BIFT. |
