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Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Project

The Australian Government has tasked the Department of Finance and Deregulation to conduct a Feasibility Study (the Study) into the potential development of an intermodal terminal (IMT) at Moorebank in south western Sydney.

The Moorebank Project Office (MPO) has been established to conduct the Study, funding for which was announced in the 2010-11 Budget. The Study is focused on the site currently occupied by the Department of Defence including the School of Military Engineering (SME) to the west of Moorebank Avenue.

In September 2010, a group of expert advisers led by KPMG was appointed to assist the MPO in undertaking the Study. The Study  will provide a detailed examination of economic, financial, social, environmental and technical issues.

The development of the Study will involve seeking feedback from the local community to ensure all relevant issues are considered.

As the Commonwealth Government progresses the Study of the Moorebank IMT project, there are a number of assessment processes that must be undertaken.

In August 2011, the IMT project was referred to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) for determination under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).  The referral is one step in the environmental assessment process. It is required under the EPBC Act which stipulates that any proposed project that may have a significant impact on Commonwealth land must be referred to SEWPaC.

As of September 2011, SEWPaC has determined that the project is a Controlled Action and will require the development of an Environmental Impact Statement for assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.

In October 2011, two Community Information Sessions were held at Casula and Wattle Grove to enable the community to view project information, meet the project team and provide feedback.

On 3rd November 2011, SEWPaC released draft guidelines (terms of reference) for the drafting of an EIS for the proposed Moorebank IMT project. Members of the public may comment on the draft guidelines before they are finalised by SEWPaC. Comments should be made directly to SEWPaC [external site].

The MPO is continuing to study the site and consult with stakeholders including state and local government, industry and the community. Work on the Study will continue into 2012.

Project Overview

Moorebank, in south western Sydney, is the proposed site for an Intermodal Terminal (IMT) facility planned to handle container traffic from interstate rail freight and Port Botany.

It is forecast that Australia’s freight requirements in 2020 will be double what they were in 2006. Some 90 per cent of containers to and from Port Botany have their origin and destination within Greater Sydney. Without new rail freight handling capacity, more pressure will be put on Sydney’s road network increasing urban congestion.

The Moorebank site is Commonwealth-owned land currently occupied by the School of Military Engineering (SME) and a number of other Australian Defence Force (ADF) units.

The Department of Defence is developing complementary plans that would enable an IMT project to proceed.  This would involve relocation of the SME. 

The SME site is being considered for the following reasons:

  • Its size (approximately 220 hectares), topography and length (over 2 kilometres);
  • Its proximity to key transport corridors including the Southern Sydney Freight Line, main interstate rail line, and the M5 and M7 motorways; and
  • Its proximity to the industrial centres in Sydney’s west and south west including Moorebank, Bankstown, Prestons and Ingleburn.
Once complete, the new facility is expected to improve Australia’s productivity and economic performance and promote significant industry development, investment and create jobs in south western Sydney.  The proposed Moorebank IMT will reduce road congestion and delays.  The reduction in heavy vehicle traffic on Sydney’s roads will improve air quality, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and will also decrease motor vehicle accident rates.

Feasibility Study

An intermodal terminal (IMT) at Moorebank was first proposed by the Commonwealth Government in 2004. In the 2010-11 Budget, funding of $70.7 million was allocated to complete the Feasibility Study (the Study) for the Moorebank IMT project and to support the potential relocation of the School of Military Engineering (SME) and other Australian Defence Force (ADF) units to Holsworthy.

The Department of Finance and Deregulation (Finance) has been given responsibility for development of the Moorebank IMT Feasibility Study (the Study) and it has created an integrated project team – the Moorebank Project Office (MPO) – to manage the project.

The MPO includes representatives from Finance, the Department of Defence and the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.

The MPO will also consult closely with the NSW Government, Liverpool City Council and the local community throughout the process.

The Study has commenced with the following long-term objectives:

  1. Boost national productivity over the long-term through improved freight network capacity and rail utilisation.
  2. Create a flexible and commercially viable facility and enable open access for rail operators and other terminal users.
  3. Minimise impact on Defence’s operational capability during the relocation of Defence facilities from the Moorebank site.
  4. Attract employment and investment to South West Sydney.
  5. Achieve sound environmental and social outcomes that are considerate of community views.
  6. Optimise value for money for the Australian Government, having regard to the other stated project objectives.

The Study will include economic and financial analysis and technical feasibility. A major component will also include a comprehensive environmental and social impact assessment, which will closely examine issues such as noise, traffic and air quality.

Environmental Impact Statement

In accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) the IMT project was referred to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) in August 2011.  The referral provides concept information about the project and identifies possible impacts of the IMT project requiring further environmental assessment. 

To view the referral and learn more about the process relating to environmental assessments, click on the link below to the SEWPaC website.

Following a period of public comment, SEWPaC has determined that the project is a Controlled Action under the EPBC Act and will require the approval of the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities before it can proceed. SEWPaC has indicated that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be required.

SEWPaC has developed draft guidelines (terms of reference) for the drafting of an EIS for the IMT project. The draft EIS guidelines were published on the SEWPaC website on 3rd November 2011. 

Members of the public may comment on the draft guidelines before they are finalised by SEWPaC. Comments should be made directly to SEWPaC, at

Throughout the project a range of studies will be undertaken to inform the Study.

Initial studies undertaken to date include heritage and ecology investigations. These studies have also been included in the project referral, referred to above. To view these documents click on the links below.

FAQs

What is an IMT?

An IMT is a facility set aside for freight to be transferred between road and rail. It includes a yard and potentially warehouses linked to the rail network. Shipping containers are brought to the IMT by rail and stored for short periods, with goods being taken away by truck or rail for distribution to other locations.

What is the Moorebank IMT project?

The Department of Finance and Deregulation (Finance) has established the Moorebank Project Office (MPO) to undertake the feasibility study and environmental assessment process for an IMT.  This project is undertaken in conjunction with the Department of Defence and the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.

To assist the project, the MPO, has engaged a number of consultants to assist with the feasibility study, which will include examination of economic, financial, heritage, social, environmental and technical issues. Initial work has focused on analysis of issues that may need to be considered in any proposed future development.

Why is the project important?

The Moorebank IMT, if it is to proceed will be an important element of an integrated transport solution to meet the significant growth in the movement of freight to, from and within the Sydney basin and to minimise urban congestion by a more efficient distribution of containers by rail.

Why is the Moorebank IMT project being considered?

The Moorebank IMT is aimed at improving freight handling efficiency for Australia’s biggest city and second largest port by transferring more freight from road to rail. It is forecast that Australia’s freight requirements in 2020 will be double what it was in 2006. Some 90 per cent of containers to and from Port Botany have their origin and destination within Greater Sydney. Without new rail freight handling capacity, more pressure will be put on Sydney’s road network increasing urban congestion. Greater efficiency will reduce handling costs with benefits for business and consumers.

Why Moorebank?

Potential advantages of this site include:

  • Size (approximately 220 hectares) and topography.
  • Proximity to key transport corridors including the Southern Sydney Freight Line, main interstate rail line, and the M5 and M7 motorways.
  • Proximity to the industrial centres in Sydney’s west and south west including, Moorebank, Bankstown, Prestons and Ingleburn.

The attached map indicates the location of the Moorebank IMT Feasibility Study Site

What is the current status of the IMT project?

In August 2011, the IMT project was referred to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC).  The referral was to determine whether the project required assessment and if so what form of assessment, as is required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). As of September 2011, SEWPaC has determined that the project is a Controlled Action and will require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for assessment and ministerial approval before it can proceed.

The MPO is continuing to study the site and consult with stakeholders including state and local government, industry and the community. Work on the Study will continue into 2012.

What information was contained in the referral?

The referral – which remains available on the SEWPaC website – provides concept information about the project and identifies possible impacts of the IMT project requiring further assessment. These include traffic, air quality, hydrology, noise, flora, fauna and heritage. For more information about the SEWPaC process as it relates to the project, including the referral, go to http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=6086[external site]

Was the public able to participate in the referral process?

The public were invited to comment on the process.

What is a controlled action?

A controlled action is one that has, or is likely to have a significant impact on a piece of Commonwealth land or on matters of environmental significance. SEWPaC has determined that the project is a Controlled Action and will require the development of an Environmental Impact Statement for assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.

Will there be an environmental assessment?

Yes. Following a period of public comment, SEWPaC has determined that the project is a Controlled Action under the EPBC Act and will require the approval of the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities before it can proceed. SEWPaC has indicated that an EIS  will be required. On 3rd November 201 SEWPaC released draft guidelines (terms of reference) for the drafting of an EIS for the proposed Moorebank IMT project. Members of the public may comment on the draft guidelines before they are finalised by SEWPaC. Comments should be made directly to SEWPaC [external site].

Can I comment on the SEWPaC Referral?

Information about public comment is displayed on the SEWPaC website [external site].

What funding has been provided for the feasibility study?

The Commonwealth Government has provided $70.7 million towards the feasibility study for the project comprising $35.5 million for the MPO and the remainder to enable the Department of Defence to consider relocation of the School of Military Engineering and other Defence units.

What is the project timeline?

It is expected that the feasibility study will be completed by 2012. Subject to planning outcomes and decision by the Commonwealth Government, the staged development of the Moorebank IMT could occur from 2013.

Will the local community be consulted?

Yes.  The MPO has established a communications and consultation team to ensure that local community views are heard.

Already, there has been engagement with a range of stakeholders including local and state government, industry, residents and third parties since commencement of the feasibility study. 

Community engagement has included a survey in December 2010, phone discussions and face to face meetings with individuals and organisations, the establishment of a project website which includes an online inquiry service, 1300 information line and email subscription service. 

More recently, the MPO held two Community Information Sessions for local residents and other interested parties regarding the project. 

The information sessions were held at venues in Wattle Grove on 28th October and Casula on 29th October 2011. Members of the public were informed in advance of the sessions being held via a direct mail ‘Community Update’ to 10,000 households, display advertisements in local and metropolitan papers and direct email reminders to subscribers to the project website. 

The sessions were well attended with 150 people attending over the two days.

The purpose of the sessions was to provide the community with an opportunity to view information about the project including maps, site displays and brochures.  Attendees were also able to talk with members of the project team,  including representatives from the MPO and technical specialists from Parsons Brinckerhoff.

What sort of issues were raised at the community information sessions?

People raised a range of different issues at the information sessions. The issues most frequently raised were the suitability of the site due to nearby residential areas, traffic congestion, air quality, health issues and noise. Other issues raised included light spill, visual impact and the expected extent of rail and road operations.

What happens to the feedback gathered at the information sessions?

The MPO has noted people’s comments and will take them into account as the Study progresses and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is prepared.

Can I talk to someone now to ask questions or express concerns?

Yes, you can talk to the communications and consultation team by contacting the 1300 number or emailing the address on the MPO home page. Any issues raised will be considered by the MPO.

Is the SIMTA proposal part of the Commonwealth’s IMT feasibility study?

The proposal by the Sydney Intermodal Terminal Alliance (SIMTA) is a separate private sector proposal that relates to privately owned land. The MPO will consider the SIMTA and other private sector proposals in the context of its feasibility study for an IMT.

Where will the SME be relocated?

The Department of Defence will be undertaking detailed planning for its proposed relocation of Defence units to Holsworthy.

How would rail freight connect to the Moorebank IMT?

The Southern Sydney Freight Line and the Port Botany freight line would link to the Moorebank IMT.  It would not affect commuter trains.

Will traffic impacts be considered as part of the feasibility study and environmental assessment process?

Yes. Traffic flow studies will be undertaken as part of the process, as will community consultation on traffic movements and other environmental issues.

Will air quality be considered as part of the feasibility study and environmental assessment process?

Yes. The potential environmental impact of the Moorebank IMT including air, water, noise, and light will be addressed through environmental and other studies to be undertaken. Community consultation on these and other issues is an integral part of the formal planning process.

Contact Us

To talk to the communications and consultation team, phone 1300 382 239 during business hours.

Email any comments or questions

Information Session feedback Form

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Contact for information on this page: Moorebank Project Office

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Last Modified: 9 January, 2012