‘Modal shift’ underpins Melbourne Intermodal budget announcement 

The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has welcomed the Australian Government’s additional budget commitment to invest in intermodal freight infrastructure.

In a pre-budget submission, the ALC called for a national approach to planning and developing Australia’s freight and logistics infrastructure, with a strategic focus on the future freight requirements and intermodal systems.

ALC supports the increasing focus on the important role intermodals play in the movement of freight, to achieve end to end supply chain efficiency, improve sustainability and ease road congestion.

ALC CEO Brad Williams welcomed the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal Package and said investment in new freight terminals would help achieve modal shift from road to rail and facilitate a nationally connected, efficient and productive freight and logistics sector. 

“Investment in intermodal infrastructure is critical to the national economic interest.

“Modal shift is changing the way freight is moved in Australia, including doubling the volume of freight transported on rail between Melbourne and Brisbane from 30 per cent to 62 per cent by 2050 and maximising the efficiency gains from the operation of Inland Rail.

“A coordinated and centralised approach, through the National Intermodal Corporation, should ensure access for multiple supply chain participants and help drive increased efficiency and productivity across all freight modes,” Mr Williams said.

“This budget commitment is an important step in modernising Australia’s freight network and maintains the focus on delivery of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.

ALC looks forward to all governments working together to deliver new intermodal infrastructure to address the challenges and opportunities of growth over the coming 20 years,” Mr Williams said.

ENDS.