Road and rail intermodal terminal announced for Darling Downs

InterLinkSQ in Charlton, outside Toowoomba, is set to become the site of a $16.1 million road and rail intermodal terminal.

The terminal will provide better facilities for firms to transfer freight between trucks and trains using highly efficient multi-modal connectivity according to the Queensland Government who recently made the announcement.

InterlinkSQ will engage global shipping firm Seaway Intermodal to lease and operate the Terminal.

In addition to delivering new rail infrastructure, 1.7 hectares of hardstand for loading and unloading heavy vehicles and container storage will be constructed as part of the project along with entrance roads connecting to the council’s road network, earthworks, electrical infrastructure, and office blocks.

It is anticipated that the project will vastly improve productivity and create jobs in the Darling Downs region.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said investing in productivity building infrastructure is a key part of the plan for economic recovery from COVID-19.

“The first phase of developing the terminal will lead to lower transport costs and flow-on economic benefits to the transport and logistics sectors throughout the region and beyond,” he said.

“Local producers and exporters will be able to reduce transport-related costs, consolidate goods and then transport them in bulk by road or rail.”

The proponent Interlink Global Logistics will contribute the remaining $3.5 million for the $16.1 million project.

“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,” said Miles.

“When the project is completed, it is expected to support the 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,” he said.

Interlink Global Logistics Chairman John Dornbusch said the loan co-investment of the State Government ensures that the strategically located InterLinkSQ intermodal terminal at Charlton will be constructed to benefit producers and logistics operators and create a legacy of jobs well into the future.

“The terminal will provide seamless connectivity to the Port of Brisbane via the existing Queensland Rail owned West Moreton Rail Line and will have in excess of three kilometres of frontage to the proposed Inland Rail alignment,” he said.

“Manager of the terminal, Seaway, are excited to offer new efficiencies in domestic and global logistics for our region and our State.

“The Building Acceleration Fund is a visionary initiative by the Queensland Government, and we look forward to working with them on this exciting development.”

Construction is anticipated to commence as early as the first quarter of 2022 with completion scheduled for the last quarter of 2022.

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