National Intermodal to deliver an integrated rail freight network

The federal government has established the National Intermodal Corporation Limited (National Intermodal) as part of its plan to deliver an integrated network of independent terminals.

Previously known as Moorebank Intermodal Company, National Intermodal will support the planning, delivery and operation of the government’s investment into new intermodal terminals across Australia’s east coast.

Transport minister Barnaby Joyce said the establishment of National Intermodal will service Inland Rail and facilitate an integrated approach to Australia’s interstate rail freight network.

“As an exporting nation, Australia relies on our commodities and manufactured goods reaching international markets to generate the wealth that underpins our standard of living and prosperity,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“We are building Inland Rail to build additional resilience into Australia’s supply chains and better connect our exporting industries with their customers, so that our nation can continue to earn the money that pays for the services Australians need and deserve,” he said.

He continued that the National Intermodal will work with the Commonwealth, State Governments, the Australian Rail Track Corporation and industry to develop and operate the Melbourne and Brisbane intermodal freight terminals in time for the commencement of Inland Rail’s full operations in 2027.

Communications minister Paul Fletcher said the government-owned company delivering Moorebank is well placed to deliver the Commonwealth’s future intermodal investments.

“Moorebank Intermodal Company has built up significant expertise over the last decade, facilitating the development of Australia’s largest open access intermodal terminals precinct – the Moorebank Logistics Park in Sydney,” Minister Fletcher said.

Related: LOGOS consortium acquires Moorebank Logistics Park for $1.67B

“We now want the company’s board and management to utilise that experience and expertise in the development of the national network of modern, state-of-the-art, open access interstate terminals,” he said.

“Through the establishment of National Intermodal, Australia’s east-coast interstate rail network will for the first time have a network of interconnected modern, efficient terminals, managed by an independent company, leveraging industry experience, and genuinely promoting open access to encourage new entrants.”

He continued that important terminals will provide additional resilience and choice for the nation’s supply chains to ensure that supermarket shelves remain stocked and industry gets the materials it requires.

For finance minister Simon Birmingham, the establishment of National Intermodal would help support Australia’s exporters and help ensure they remain internationally competitive.

“As we continue our economic recovery from COVID-19, it is critical that we have the necessary rail infrastructure in place to support the movement of goods around Australia and overseas in the most efficient and cost-effective ways,” Minister Birmingham said.

“This is about backing Australia’s farmers and businesses by making it as easy possible for them to reach their customers through increasing the capacity of our freight rail network to manage the movement of large volumes of goods across long distances,” he said.

“It’s why our Government continues to invest in the construction of the Inland Rail project and the delivery of world-class intermodal terminals across Australia’s east coast.”

Chair of the Moorebank Intermodal Company Erin Flaherty said National Intermodal’s vision is to create an interconnected network of terminals that provide fair and equal access for all above-rail operators.

“We are working with industry to enable an increase in the movement of freight by rail by helping to create a cost effective, safe and more environmentally sustainable transport mode for our customers, partners and stakeholders,” Flahety said.

Source: The Hon Barnaby Joyce media release