An aerial view from the freight hub end of the BWEZ precinct. Photo: Development Victoria

WORK is under way on the $55-million Ballarat Intermodal Freight Hub, a major project which will move more freight by rail and help reduce emissions while driving jobs and economic growth in the region.

The freight hub forms a critical part of the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) and will provide tenants George Weston Foods (GWF) and CHS Broadbent access to the broad-gauge Ballarat-Ararat rail line.

The new rail infrastructure will support the movement of around 15,000 containers a year to the Port of Melbourne, with capacity for future growth.

More than 300,000 tonnes of grain annually is also expected to be transported to GWF’ new flour mill, which is nearing completion.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the BWEZ was already a “massive economic driver for the region”.

“This new intermodal freight hub will future-proof BWEZ by providing road, rail and future air connectivity all in one precinct,” Ms King said.

“It will be a drawcard for businesses wanting to locate here and for future investment in our city.”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett at BWEZ. Photo: Juliana Addison

Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan said around 100 local jobs will be supported during construction, with Taylor Rail Australia delivering the track and civil works package.

“The Ballarat Freight Hub is creating local jobs now while building the freight infrastructure Victoria needs to grow our economy into the future,” Ms Allan said.

The works include 3km of new rail track, as well as sidings, formation of mainline tracks, signalling, maintenance access to Liberator Drive, lighting, CCTV, fencing, drainage, footpath infrastructure and decommissioning of the Ring Road level crossing and pedestrian crossing.

Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said Victoria’s freight sector contributes $36 billion to the economy each year and supports around 240,000 jobs across the state.

“Moving more freight by rail means fewer trucks on our roads – improving safety, cutting emissions and reducing wear and tear across our network,” Ms Horne said.

The Victorian Government has invested more than $45M to unlock commercial land at BWEZ, building on a $30M partnership established in 2015 with the City of Ballarat.

City of Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves said the Council was proud to have partnered with both governments to “unlock the BWEZ precinct”.

“[W]e welcome this milestone as work progresses on infrastructure that will support Ballarat’s growth for decades to come,” Cr Hargreaves said.

“The Ballarat Intermodal Freight Hub represents a significant step forward for our city’s economic future and reinforces Ballarat’s role as a key freight and logistics destination in regional Victoria.

“This investment builds on the long-term vision for the Ballarat West Employment Zone, creating new opportunities for local industry, supporting jobs and strengthening our connection to national and international markets.

“Importantly, moving more freight by rail will help ease pressure on our road network while delivering environmental benefits for our community.”

The Freight Hub is jointly funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments with each government contributing $27.75M and is expected to be complete in late 2026.

Source: Victorian Government, City of Ballarat