Catherine King, the federal infrastructure minister, says the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct has the potential to take thousands of B-double trucks off our roads every day.
“I’m sure I don’t have to explain to Sydneysiders what this will mean for traffic on Sydney roads,’’ the minister said at the official opening of the second Woollies distribution centre based at the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct.
“This terminal is an Australian first, marking the first interstate terminal in a major city not controlled by a single existing above rail operator,’’ Ms King said.
“That means more competition across our freight network, with savings to flow down to businesses and consumers.
“Last year, I was pleased to join the Prime Minister in opening stage one of the Moorebank Interstate Terminal just down the road.
“This was a huge milestone for us to reach and forms part of our $570 million commitment to building a fully integrated industrial precinct here at Moorebank.
“This precinct will be capable of housing over 850,000 square metres of modern industrial warehouses, and that’s why it’s great to see such a large supplier, like Woolworths, come on board.
“Australians everywhere will benefit.’’
The minister said that once fully operational, the automated distribution centre will be able to receive and dispatch goods to more than 266 Woolworths supermarkets.
This builds on the Woolworths National Distribution Centre opened in Moorebank last year, which can dispatch to more than 1,000 stores across Australia.
“Connecting into the freight line here, it will mean a broader range of products being delivered to more stores at a faster pace. That’s a win-win,’’ the minister said.
“The Australian Government is so pleased to be providing the funding needed to build this critical piece of connecting infrastructure and to have such a prominent business like Woolworths build their distribution centres here.
“Congratulations on to everyone involved in the completion of the works – I can’t wait to see the centre commence full operations.’’