A new road and rail intermodal terminal at InterLinkSQ in Charlton, outside Toowoomba, has been green-lit by the Queensland government as part of its Building Acceleration Fund (BAF) to help improve productivity and create jobs in the Darling Downs region.
The project will increase connectivity to the Port of Brisbane via the existing Queensland Rail owned West Moreton Rail Line.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the project will be supported through $12.6 million in loan funding from the Queensland Jobs Fund and will assist in supporting 36 construction jobs.
“This $16.1million terminal will provide better facilities for firms to transfer freight between trucks and trains using highly efficient multi-modal connectivity,” said Miles.
It’s expected that the first phase of developing the terminal will lead to lower transport costs and create economic benefits to regional transport and logistics sectors by reducing transport-related costs, consolidating goods and transport them in bulk by road or rail.
InterlinkSQ will engage global shipping firm Seaway Intermodal to lease and operate the Terminal, with proponent, Interlink Global Logistics Pty Ltd contributing $3.5 million to the $16.1 million project.
It’s understood the works undertaken will include 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 and is expected to support 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,” added Miles.
Interlink Global Logistics expects to commence construction in the first quarter of 2022 with construction scheduled for completion in the last quarter of 2022.