Government releases timeline for Moorebank Intermodal Terminal

The Australian Government has committed to delivering the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal (IMT) Project at Moorebank, with the facility opening on the School of Military Engineering (SME) site in mid-2017.

While the project is still subject to planning approval, the government has published its planning and development time lines.

The decision follows government consideration of the Project’s Detailed Business Case, which reviewed the freight capacity and road congestion issues facing Sydney and recommended a response to these challenges. It identified economic and social benefits including reduced traffic congestion, reduced freight costs, greater productivity throughout the national supply chain, improved environmental outcomes and local employment.

The detailed business case

In May 2010 the Australian Government asked the Department of Finance and Deregulation to conduct a study into the potential development of an intermodal terminal (IMT) at Moorebank.

The School of Military Engineering (SME) was identified as an IMT site in 2004. The 220ha site was selected because it is close to key road and rail links and can enable interstate trains to load and unload. The study has included the development of a Detailed Business Case and concept plan for the site. A draft Environmental Impact Statement is also being prepared.

The following six objectives have guided the development of the Detailed Business Case:

1. Boost national productivity over the long-term through improved freight network capacity and rail utilisation.
2. Create a flexible and commercially viable facility and enable open access for rail operators and other terminal users.
3. Minimise impact on Defence’s operational capability during the relocation of Defence facilities from the Moorebank site.
4. Attract employment and investment to south westSydney.
5. Achieve sound environmental and social outcomes that are considerate of community views.
6. Optimise value for money for taxpayers having regard to other stated project objectives.

The Detailed Business Case is available on the project website.

The report identified the following key benefits of the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal:

• $10 billion in economic benefits.
• 1,650 construction jobs building the IMEX terminal and 975 construction jobs building the interstate terminal.
• 1,700 additional jobs through operating both terminals and warehousing.
• Environmental benefits – fewer emissions are released when containers are transported by train rather than truck.
• Save an estimated 9,500 tonnes of C02 greenhouse gas emissions for every 1 million import /export containers that are transported by rail instead of road.

The proposal

The Moorebank IMT project is still subject to planning approval. The government will enable development of an import/export (IMEX) terminal, linked to Port Botany by a freight-only rail line, by mid 2017. An interstate rail terminal will be developed by 2029 subject to demand. This will help make competitively priced rail freight a real option for rural and regional businesses who currently rely heavily on road freight.

A Government Business Enterprise (GBE) will be established to act as landlord and manage a tender process for funding, design, construction and operation of the facility to optimise private sector involvement and investment.

The 2012-13 Federal Budget has allocated funds to move the SME to a new purpose built home at Holsworthy Barracks. The SME will move by the end of 2014.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

The Moorebank Intermodal Terminal will require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be prepared. The EIS will consider a range of impacts that are related to the project and explain how these impacts will be addressed.

Guidelines for the EIS have been issued by the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) following a period of public comment.

Director-General’s Requirements have also been issued by the NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure (DoPI).

The SEWPaC guidelines and DoPI requirements specify a range of issues that will need to be included. A number of specialist environmental studies will also need to be undertaken as part of the EIS The studies for the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal include:

• Air quality impact assessment.
• Traffic, transport and access.
• Noise and vibration.
• Biodiversity.
• Greenhouse gas emissions.
• Human health risk assessment.
• Health impact assessment.
• Visual impact.
• Light spill.
• Water quality and hydrology.
• Heritage and cultural.
• Social.
• Soils and contamination.
• Hazards and risks.

Studies include key issues raised with the project team at Community Information Sessions in October 2011 at Wattle Grove and Casula.

The EIS, incorporating the findings of the specialist studies, is expected to be ready to go on public display late in 2012 or early 2013.

The community will have an opportunity to comment on the EIS then. There will be a second round of Community Information Sessions to enable the community to discuss the EIS with the project’s technical and environmental staff.

Residents meeting the project team at the Community Information Sessions held in October 2011. More sessions are proposed in late 2012 when the EIS goes on public display.

Planning timeline

• August 2011 – Project referred to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC).
• October 2011 – SEWPaC determines IMT project is a ‘controlled action’ and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required.
• October 2011 – Community Information Sessions held at Wattle Grove and Casula.
• December 2011 – SEWPaC issue draft EIS guidelines for comment.
• December 2011 – Part 4 submission to NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DoPI).
• February 2012 – DoPI issues Director-General’s Requirements (DGR).
• April 2012 – SEWPaC EIS guidelines finalised.
• May – Late 2012 EIS is prepared with SEWPaC guidelines and DGR.
• Late 2012 – early 2013 – Draft EIS displayed for public comment online and in local venues.
• Late 2012 – early 2013 – Second round of Community Information Sessions – opportunity for the community to ask technical experts questions about the project.
• 1st half of 2013 – Submissions report on EIS addressing comments on EIS.
• 2nd half of 2013 – Ministerial consideration of EIS – Reject / Approve / Approve with conditions.

Indicative project timeline

• January 2013 – GBE established.
• July 2013 Procurement process for design, construction and operation of the port shuttle.
• December 2014 – Defence vacates IMT site.
• January 2015 – Port shuttle construction begins.
• Mid-2017 – Port shuttle operations begin.
• July 2027 – Interstate construction begins.
• January 2030 – Interstate operations begin.