There’s absolutely no need for transport and logistics operators to get excited at being able to operate out of the planned Moorebank Intermodal Terminals, says Allan Corben.
Mr Corben, a member of RAID, the residents’ alliance opposed to the proposed intermodal terminals, says the reason why is simple.
“On June 3 the NSW Planning Assessment Committee approved the Moorebank Intermodal Company’s concept plan under several conditions,’’ Mr Corben said.
“The main condition placed on the development is that Moorebank Intermodal Company (MICL) cannot commence operations until such time as the rail entry from the southern freight line to the site is in place.
“This will necessitate the construction of a massive rail bridge over the Georges River.
“The construction of this bridge is considered to be a major cost in the vicinity of $960 million, which raises the question as to who is going to pay for this.
“To date the private company, SIMTA, (developers of the adjoining terminal) have been extremely quite in respect to infrastructure improvements and in fact have only agreed to upgrade the entry road being Moorebank Avenue from two lanes to four but not till 2030,’’ Mr Corben said.
“Once the rail entry bridge is completed we then have the road infrastructure upgrades that need to be carried out.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Neither operator has made any firm commitment as to their responsibility for the cost of the work or when it will be carried out.[/social_quote]
“This cost is said to be around $2 billion.
“Who pays?
Local road network already under pressure
“Transport operators should be well aware of the current road congestion in the area of the proposed sites,’’ Mr Corben said.
“It’s evident that the road upgrades must be in place before either facility is allowed to commence operations.
“Unless many of the required upgrades are carried out prior to the commencement of operations, the local road network will come to an absolute standstill.
“It’s obvious that the two companies involved in these developments are prepared to use the wait and see what happens policy in respect of the road upgrade,’’ Mr Corben said.
