A new road and rail intermodal terminal at InterLinkSQ in Charlton, outside Toowoomba, will vastly improve its productivity and create jobs in the Darling Downs region.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the project, supported by the Palaszczuk Government through $12.6 million in loan funding from the Queensland Jobs Fund will support 36 construction jobs.
“Investing in productivity building infrastructure is a key part of the plan for economic recovery from COVID-19,” Mr Miles said.
“This $16.1million terminal will provide better facilities for firms to transfer freight between trucks and trains using highly efficient multi-modal connectivity.
“The first phase of developing the terminal will lead to lower transport costs and flow-on economic benefits to the transport and logistics sectors throughout the region and beyond.
“InterlinkSQ will engage global shipping firm Seaway Intermodal to lease and operate the Terminal.
“Local producers and exporters will be able to reduce transport-related costs, consolidate goods and then transport them in bulk by road or rail.”
The proponent Interlink Global Logistics Pty Ltd will contribute the remaining $3.5 million for the $16.1 million project.
Mr Miles said the scope of works to be undertaken includes new rail infrastructure, 1.7ha of hardstand for loading and unloading operations and container storage, entrance roads connecting to council’s road network, earthworks, electrical infrastructure, and office blocks.
“Continued development of the 63-hectare terminal over the next 15 years will provide space for cold storage, warehousing, food and manufacturing facilities, container hardstand areas, including development of 39 hectares for multi-purpose industrial use.
“When the project is completed, it is expected to support the development of a further 400 hectares of industrial zoned land beyond the InterlinkSQ development.
“This land is strategically and conveniently located between the InterLinkSQ Intermodal Terminal Project site and the Warrego Highway/Toowoomba Second Range Crossing and will become a key distribution hub,” he said.
Interlink Global Logistics Pty Ltd Chairman John Dornbusch said the loan co-investment of the State Government ensures that the strategically located InterLinkSQ intermodal terminal at Charlton will be constructed to benefit producers and logistics operators and create a legacy of jobs well into the future.
“The terminal will provide seamless connectivity to the Port of Brisbane via the existing Queensland Rail owned West Moreton Rail Line and will have in excess of three kilometres of frontage to the proposed Inland Rail alignment,” he said.
“Manager of the terminal, Seaway, are excited to offer new efficiencies in domestic and global logistics for our region and our State.
“The Building Acceleration Fund is a visionary initiative by the Queensland Government, and we look forward to working with them on this exciting development.”
The proponent expects to commence construction as early as the first quarter of 2022 with construction completion in the last quarter of 2022.
