The Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub terminal and master siding is set to be managed by Visy Logistics, under a Public Private Partnership with Wagga Wagga City Council – following a second stage of construction valued at $14.4 million.
The second stage of work aims to construct rail and intermodal terminal infrastructure, which is required to load and unload freight on the main southern rail network between Melbourne and Sydney.
These works included the installation of over one million individual pavers, laid for the terminal base beside the new master rail siding.
The RiFL Hub project has been funded by the Federal Government, New South Wales Government, Wagga Wagga City Council and Visy.
Council Director Regional Activation, Michael Keys, said the pavers cover 26,000m² and took four weeks to install.
“It was an impressive effort to get this part of the project completed within such a short timeframe and it’s another major step for the terminal,” Mr Keys said.
“The focus now is on the finishing touches such as lighting, electricity and services for the operational interface between the trains, the terminal and the trucks.
“Other works include office accommodation, storage shed and workshop, truck parking and turning areas, and construction of the main access road from the roundabout at Dorset Drive and Merino Road.”
Work on Stage 3, the development and construction of Council’s industrial subdivision adjacent to the RiFL terminal, is also progressing well.
Mr Keys said the RiFL Hub is the largest project Council has undertaken and will deliver significant benefits to the regional economy.
“We will be able to import and export produce directly on to the main national rail line, with direct links to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne ports,” Mr Keys said.
“It will create greater opportunities for industry to establish in Wagga Wagga, growing supporting services, creating employment and training opportunities, and increasing business in the local economy.
“The 40-year vision is for 6,000 jobs in the Bomen Special Activation Precinct and the RiFL terminal is integral to that growth. It’s the centrepiece around which everything else will flow and has the potential to cement our place as the southern capital of New South Wales.”
Council is expecting to release the RiFL Industrial Estate land packages, bringing the 40ha in the first stage of the new industrial estate to market, and seek expressions of interest in May 2022.
Featured image provided by the City of Wagga Wagga.
