THE City of Whittlesea has moved to strengthen key planning controls in an important step towards delivering the first stage of the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct.
Last month, council voted to endorse a submission to the Minister for Planning on proposed changes to the Whittlesea Planning Scheme.
The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, located in the municipality’s north-west, will be a major freight and logistics hub adjoining the existing Melbourne-Albury-Sydney rail corridor.
It will support the movement of more freight rail between Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, and deliver increased productivity, stronger supply chains, and reduced road congestion.
Council has long been an advocate for the project due to the expected economic benefits, with the precinct forecast to contribute an estimated $2.5 billion annually to the state’s economy.
The precinct will also provide increased employment opportunities in the municipality through the creation of both direct and indirect jobs.
Council’s submission aims to ensure issues such as transport infrastructure, environmental management, and cultural heritage are addressed prior to construction starting this year.
The initial stage—referred to as Stage One A—will involve building a permanent rail connection to the rail freight corridor and an interim intermodal terminal.
The interim terminal, to be delivered by the Commonwealth-owned National Intermodal Corporation, will have the capacity to handle up to two 1800-metre interstate freight trains a day.
Planning for Stage One B, featuring the permanent intermodal terminal, and Stage Two, comprising the broader employment precinct, will continue throughout 2025.
