THE first stage of the $2.565 billion Beveridge Intermodal Precinct is ready to be freighted in for a mid-2028 start, with its design and construction announced to a bevy of assembled key stakeholders, council groups and government figures on Thursday morning.

John Holland has been announced as the company behind the first stage to deliver Melbourne’s first terminal to receive and service double-stacked Inland Rail trains.

John Holland CEO Nick Miller said people can have confidence in the completion of the project.

“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,” he said.

The announcement was made by National Intermodal CEO James Baulderstone, in conjunction with Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King on Thursday as a sod turn was completed for the first stage of the project, which has been fully funded by the Federal Government.

The event had strong government representation, with Ms King joined by Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell and Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne, while Mitchell Shire CEO Mary Agostino and Mayor Councillor John Dougall, as well as City of Whittlesea CEO Craig Lloyd and Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox, also made an appearance to help mark the sod turn.

The National Intermodal Precinct is designed to help move freight from road to rail and is slated to remove 167,000 truck trips every year, which is formulated to reduce emissions by 12.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over 25 years.

About 70 per cent of more than 17,000 estimated jobs are earmarked for locals in the Mitchell Shire and City of Whittlesea areas, while 500 hectares of land will be preserved for the green wedge and long-term environmental purposes.

Ms King said it was a historic moment for Beveridge.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Mr Baulderstone said: “The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape how freight moves across Australia”.

“We’re ready to deliver a nationally significant project that will not only drive $14 billion in economic uplift in Victoria and create over 17,000 jobs, but also deliver real environmental benefits.”

Mr Mitchell said it was a project which will support the prospect of local jobs.

“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,” he said.