Whittlesea council has welcomed the approval of new planning controls paving the way for the first stage of the Beveridge intermodal precinct.
The planning minister signed off on amendments to the Whittlesea Planning Scheme, kicking off the next step in delivering the major infrastructure project.
Located in the municipality’s north-west, the Beveridge intermodal precinct will connect directly to the Melbourne-Albury-Sydney rail corridor, aimed at allowing greater volumes of freight to be moved by rail between Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
Mayor Martin Taylor said the project would have lasting benefits for the community and the wider state.
“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.
“We welcome the minister for planning’s decision to back council’s recommendation to strengthen key planning controls through amendments to the Whittlesea Planning Scheme.”
The precinct is expected to contribute an estimated $2.5 billion annually to the state’s economy while creating direct and indirect jobs, while also playing a key role in reinforcing supply chains and cutting road congestion by shifting more freight off trucks and onto rail.
Stage 1a of the project includes a permanent rail connection to the freight corridor constructed, alongside an interim intermodal terminal. Delivered by the Australian Government-owned National Intermodal Corporation, the terminal will be capable of handling up to two 1,800-metre interstate freight trains per day.
Earlier this year, council lodged a submission in support of the project while calling for issues such as transport infrastructure upgrades, environmental management, and cultural heritage protections to be prioritised before construction begins.
“Council will continue to work closely with the National Intermodal Corporation, neighbouring councils, and all levels of government to ensure our community shares in the full benefits of this transformative project,” Cr Taylor said.
