EVALUATION COMPLETE
Sydney’s freight network is under increasing pressure from rapid population growth, industrial expansion in Western Sydney, and rising container volumes at Port Botany. Without targeted intervention, existing road and rail corridors will face worsening congestion, constraining the efficient movement of goods. This proposal is aligned with the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, which prioritises improving rail capacity, enhancing connections to ports and intermodal terminals, and increasing the resilience and productivity of key freight corridors. It also aligns with the Infrastructure Policy Statement, which identifies productive freight networks as important for supporting the resilience of key freight corridors, particularly in urban areas. The Western Sydney Freight Line and Intermodal Terminal proposal supports increased rail mode share at key ports, reduced heavy vehicle traffic on roads, and enables more reliable, lower-emission freight transport.
PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION
The Western Sydney Freight Line and Intermodal Terminal proposal involves constructing over 30 km of new dedicated freight rail line between Port Botany and the Western Parkland City, including a new intermodal terminal at the Mamre Road Precinct. The project is proposed to be delivered in two stages. Stage 1 comprises a new freight rail line from the existing Southern Sydney Freight Line to the new intermodal terminal at the Mamre Road Precinct, supporting immediate freight and logistics needs in Western Sydney. Stage 2 extends the line from the Mamre Road Precinct to the Main West Line near St Marys. The proposal aims to boost rail freight capacity, support industrial growth, and enable more efficient, sustainable movement of goods between Port Botany and Western Sydney.
INVESTMENT RECOMMENDATION
The Australian Government should note this proposal as a potential future investment opportunity within the 2-4 year pipeline. The development of the Final Business Case for Stage 1 is supported by a $30 million commitment from the Australian Government.
OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTCOMES
This proposal has the potential to:
- Enhance supply chain resilience and productivity – a dedicated freight rail corridor will enable higher capacity, more reliable, and efficient movement of goods between Port Botany and Western Sydney, supporting national and regional economic growth.
- Ease congestion pressures and emissions – shifting freight from road to rail would alleviate pressure on Sydney’s road network by reducing heavy vehicle traffic, which would lower greenhouse gas emissions and support Australia’s decarbonisation goals.
- Improve safety outcomes – a new freight rail line would support a shift of freight from road to rail, supporting reduced crash risks and improved safety for all road users.
- Support industrial and employment growth – the intermodal terminal at the Mamre Road Precinct would facilitate private investment, create jobs, and provide certainty for businesses in Western Sydney.
- Improve network integration – improved separation of freight and passenger rail services would support more reliable freight and passenger journeys, supporting future population and economic growth.
NEXT STEPS
Proponent to develop a Final Business Case (Stage 3 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework) for Stage 1 of the proposal that:
- confirms the preferred alignment of the Western Sydney Freight Line
- refines the cost estimate based on the preferred alignment
- considers the approach to digital signalling to ensure compliance with European Train Control System (ETCS) standards where the proposal interfaces with, or provides access to, the National Network for Interoperability
- includes an updated land acquisition strategy.