Work is underway on the $55 million Ballarat Intermodal Freight Hub, a major project which will move more freight by rail and help reduce emissions while driving jobs and economic growth in the region (northwest of Melbourne).
The freight hub forms a critical part of the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) and will provide tenants George Weston Foods (GWF) and CHS Broadbent access to the broad-gauge Ballarat-Ararat rail line.
The new rail infrastructure will support the movement of around 15,000 containers a year to the Port of Melbourne, with capacity for future growth.
More than 300,000 tonnes of grain annually are also expected to be transported to George Weston Foods’ new flour processing facility, which is nearing completion.
Around 100 local jobs will be supported during construction, with Taylor Rail Australia delivering the track and civil works package.
The works include three kilometres of new rail track, as well as sidings, formation of mainline tracks, signalling, maintenance access to Liberator Drive, lighting, CCTV, fencing, drainage, footpath infrastructure and decommissioning of the Ring Road level crossing and pedestrian crossing.
Victoria’s freight sector contributes $36 billion to the economy each year and supports around 240,000 jobs across the state.
The Victorian Government has invested more than $45 million to unlock commercial land at BWEZ, building on a $30 million partnership with the City of Ballarat established in 2015.
The Freight Hub is jointly funded by the Victorian and Australian governments with each government contributing $27.75 million and is expected to be complete in late 2026.
Quote attributable to Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan:
“The Ballarat Freight Hub is creating local jobs now while building the freight infrastructure Victoria needs to grow our economy into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, and Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King:
“BWEZ is already a massive economic driver for the region.
“This new intermodal freight hub will future-proof BWEZ by providing road, rail and future air connectivity all in one precinct.
“It will be a drawcard for businesses wanting to locate here and for future investment in our city.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne:
“Moving more freight by rail means fewer trucks on our roads – improving safety, cutting emissions and reducing wear and tear across our network.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Regional Development Michaela Settle:
“The Ballarat Freight Hub will be a key pillar for the Ballarat West Employment Zone, as it continues to develop into an engine room for jobs, industry and investment.”
Quote attributable to State Member for Ripon Martha Haylett:
“This investment in the Ballarat Freight Hub is fantastic news for communities right across Ripon and western Victoria, creating local jobs and strengthening the freight connections our regional industries rely on.”
Quote attributable to State Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison:
“This is a major milestone for Ballarat, bringing the freight hub another step closer and making it easier to move products, support local industry and create more jobs across the region.”
