The Riverina’s leaders have welcomed the news that Visy Logistics are set to invest $5m–$10m into the construction of the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub.
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Alan Johnston, CEO of Committee 4 Wagga, said it was “absolutely fantastic news”.
“What it is contingent on now is for the State Government to provide funding for stage two,” Mr Johnston said.
In a C4W white paper released on Monday, the RiFL Hub project is one of seven key projects in which C4W challenged byelection candidates to commit to.
“Our focus is to have the candidates’ commitment to this seat, regardless of which side of the fence they’re on, so that we have the dollars coming this way” Mr Johnston said.
In the white paper, C4W said that a private-sector operator was required to partner with the council to establish and operate the rail terminal component of the project.
“[It is] critically important to ensuring the core objectives of the project and investment in stages one and two are realised to their full potential,” it reads.
Mr Johnston said the latest news meant that “there was more of a spotlight on issue for the candidates”.
He said that should the project receive NSW Government funding, the hub would “make a huge difference to the region’s economy”.
“It’s something that needs to happen sooner than later,” Mr Johnston said.
“An economic driver”: Mayor
Mayor Greg Conkey said the RiFL Hub was a “very important project for this city” to ensure it becomes an economic driver for the long term.
“It’s great that Visy has come onboard – it’ll benefit not only the city of Wagga but the whole region,” Cr Conkey said.
It’s great that Visy has come onboard – it’ll benefit not only the city of Wagga but the whole region.
- Greg Conkey, Mayor of Wagga City
He said that while it had been a “long time in the making”, the latest news showed that the council made the right decision [in investing funds into road upgrades in Bomen].
"We’re totally committed to it and have already delivered the goods with the $35 million to enable the roads,” Cr Conkey said.
“At the time of making the decision, it was tough because we didn’t know if we were going to get the intermodal hub.
“But we needed to invest in that area and the roads and it’s paying off.
“Also, we’re on the Inland Rail route as well, so it makes a lot of sense to have the intermodal hub.”
Cr Conkey said he was confident the council would obtain State Government funding: $14m for rail infrastructure and $21m for industrial subdivision of the site.
From a Riverina perspective
Rachel Whiting, CEO of Regional Development Australia Riverina, said the announcement showed the level of interest in the project.
“All levels of government have invested and now with a private investor, it just shows the importance of this hub,” Ms Whiting said.
“It should set up Wagga for industries to move to and grow – we definitely need more of that in the Riverina.”
Similarly, Riverina MP Michael McCormack said said it was “fantastic news for Wagga Wagga and the wider region”.
“I worked hard to secure the $14.5 million in Federal Government funding for the RiFL Hub because I could see great economic potential for the once-in-a-generation project,” Mr McCormack said.
“This freight hub and the Melbourne-to-Brisbane Inland Rail, being built thanks to a $9.3 billion commitment from the Liberal and Nationals’ Government, will transform Wagga Wagga and our region into a stronger economic powerhouse.”
No timeframe has been provided in relation to the State Government funding results.
