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Developing a metropolitan intermodal system for Melbourne

The Department of Transport is investigating options to develop a metropolitan market for rail in order to:

improve the efficiency of the freight task
alleviate bottlenecks around the port area
prepare for accelerated port expansion at Hastings
ensure the liveability and amenity of Victoria

A successful short shuttle operation between the port and suburban intermodal terminals located in Melbourne's industrial hubs has the potential to significantly increase rail's share of the overall Victorian freight task.

Background

In April 2010, the Department of Transport released the Shaping Melbourne's Freight Future discussion paper which proposed the development of a network of intermodal hubs for Melbourne.

The paper proposed a new intermodal approach to moving rapidly growing volumes of port-related freight around Melbourne, with terminals or 'inland ports' proposed in the North, West and South-East of Melbourne.

The Department of Transport is currently working with stakeholders to further develop proposals for a sustainable, efficient and commercially viable intermodal solution for Melbourne.

Stakeholder updates

These updates will keep stakeholders informed about the project status as the planning progresses and milestones are achieved.

April MIS Stakeholder Update (PDF, 779 KB, 2pp.)

Discussion paper

Shaping Melbourne's Freight Future is the Department of Transport's discussion paper for the development of a network of intermodal hubs for Melbourne.