Wagga Wagga freight hub under way

Construction of the next stage of the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RIFL) hub is now under way, which will enable the 60-hectare Bomen Industrial Precinct in Wagga Wagga to export freight across Australia and the globe.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro, NSW Nationals MLC Wes Fang and Wagga Wagga City Council Mayor Greg Conkey recently visited the precinct for the official sod turn.

In a press statement, Mr Barilaro said the development of the Bomen Industrial Precinct is fantastic news for the Riverina region, boosting the capacity to share our exports with the world.

“This precinct will make Wagga Wagga a major player in domestic and international freight export, making the town even more attractive to local and international businesses,” Mr Barilaro said.

“We are building a safer and stronger regional NSW and this $43.7 million investment from the NSW Government combined with significant investment from Wagga Wagga City Council and commercial partner Visy Logistics will create vital jobs in the Riverina.

“This intermodal facility will be a world-class business hub servicing the region’s advanced manufacturing, recycling and renewables industries and help local businesses reap the benefits of the Inland Rail and Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the RIFL hub, the Inland Rail and the Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct will work hand in hand to fast-track access to national and international markets for regional businesses and products.

“When completed, this hub will give regional businesses ready and cost-effective access to markets across Australia and around the world, and there’s never been a more important time as we recover from drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Toole said.

“It’s also going to reduce the number of trucks moving through the Wagga Wagga central business district.

“The upgrade will provide the precinct with enabling infrastructure and a 4.9-kilometre master rail siding and container transfer terminal.

“Preliminary site preparation work and earthwork activities are already under way, ahead of the construction of power, stormwater and sewerage connections to the industrial precinct and the laying of rail tracks and turnouts.”

Mr Fang said the project will deliver incredible benefits to the Riverina, cementing its reputation as a manufacturing and freight hub.

“This is a great example of how state and local governments can work together with industry to deliver projects that will benefit regional communities and economies in the Riverina for generations to come,” Mr Fang said.

Cr Conkey said it was an exciting time for Wagga Wagga to finally see the start of site works on this groundbreaking investment in the city and its surrounds.

“It has been 15 years in the making and it is an example of a genuine partnership between state and local government and industry,” Cr Conkey said.

“The RIFL hub terminal will be the core for future growth and expansion in the Bomen Special Activation Precinct, generating up to 6,000 jobs in this region, and has the potential to drive the economic future of the city for decades,” he added.

Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2022.