Cheers CarlA fully integrated industrial estate and transport...

Cheers Carl

A fully integrated industrial estate and transport hub development in the Latrobe Valley is a step closer following the launch of expressions of interest for the Gippsland Logistics Precinct in Morwell today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the Gippsland Logistics Precinct would give businesses using the estate a competitive edge by integrating manufacturing and transport infrastructure in a single location.

?This much-anticipated development has been a key priority for Latrobe City Council to promote greater access to rail freight facilities and help attract new business activity, jobs and encourage private sector investment to the region,? Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan said the Gippsland Logistics Precinct would be located at the site next to the main Gippsland Line between the Princes Freeway and Tramway Road, known as the Gippsland Intermodal Freight Terminal and an adjoining 64 hectare site.

?A council business case has identified sufficient local demand to develop the site, with an estimated longer-term rail freight demand of 45,000 TEU (20-foot equivalent unit containers) and 270,000 tonnes per annum of bulk cargo in the region,? Mr Ryan said.

?A key aspect to the development will also be the provision of fair and equitable access to the Gippsland Intermodal Freight Terminal for all enterprises housed at the precinct, giving both large and small operations the ability to use rail to transport goods.?

Mr Ryan said Latrobe City Council had recently finalised leasing arrangements with VicTrack for the Gippsland Intermodal Freight Terminal, opening the way for the expression of interest process to proceed.

?A council campaign to encourage expressions of interest to develop and manage the precinct will target property developers, logistics operators and industrial companies,? Mr Ryan said.

?It is expected the Council will be in a position to appoint a developer/site operator by the end of the year allowing operations to quickly commence on site.?