THE City of Whittlesea has welcomed new planning controls that pave the way for the first stage of the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, a major freight and logistics hub planned for Melbourne’s north.
The Minister for Planning has approved changes to the Whittlesea Planning Scheme to support delivery of the project, which will sit alongside the Melbourne-Albury-Sydney rail corridor.
The precinct is expected to become a critical freight link between Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, boosting productivity, strengthening supply chains and easing road congestion.
City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Martin Taylor, said the project will be a gamechanger for the region.
“The City of Whittlesea has long supported the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct for its potential to deliver significant new jobs and provide essential support for our growing population,” Cr Taylor said.
Council has been a strong advocate for the project, which is forecast to contribute an estimated $2.5 billion a year to Victoria’s economy while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Stage 1A will see the construction of a permanent rail connection to the freight corridor and an interim intermodal terminal. The Australian Government-owned National Intermodal Corporation will deliver the terminal, with capacity to handle two 1,800-metre interstate freight trains each day.
Earlier this year, the City of Whittlesea lodged a submission to the Planning Minister backing the project and calling for issues such as transport infrastructure, environmental management and cultural heritage to be addressed ahead of construction.
Cr Taylor said Council would continue to work with the National Intermodal Corporation, neighbouring councils and all levels of government to ensure the community shares in the benefits of the precinct.
