EOI sought to build and operate Moorebank

Federal and NSW governments have called for expressions of interest (EoI) from the private sector to build and operate Moorebank Intermodal Terminal. However, it should be noted, according to official figures, Moorebank already cannot accommodate the current and expected trade growth. EoI for Moorebank will be accepted until 26 February 2014.

“The Australian and NSW governments have worked closely together to progress the project [Moorebank] to this important stage of calling for EoI. We look forward to working with private sector partners to deliver a future-focussed, infrastructure solution that will drive economic growth and safeguard the efficient, productive delivery of freight across the country,” reads a statement from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss. NSW Ports Minister, Duncan Gay, welcomed the call for expressions of interest. “The NSW Government is committed to supporting freight industry initiatives to improve performance and increase capacity by facilitating actions that eliminate duplication,” a statement from his office read.

The statements of both Mr Truss and Mr Gay emphasised the potential of Moorebank to encourage a modal shift of containerised freight from road to rail to help accommodate projected growth at Port Botany. Commenting on the rationale for the development of Moorebank, Mr Truss said: “over the last 11 years, container trade growth at Port Botany has grown to more than 2m containers each year. This growth is expected to continue… Moorebank is large enough to handle expected growth in container numbers.” However, according to the Moorebank Intermodal Company, Moorebank only has rail freight capacity of 1.2m teu per year and it, therefore, cannot accommodate the current or forecast trade growth from Port Botany.