Making the business case for Bromelton arterial connections

Road improvements are critical for the success of SCT Logistics intermodal hub

Council's ongoing advocacy for efficient road infrastructure in and out of Bromelton State Development Area is one step closer thanks to the Australian Government's Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen welcomed the recent announcement, which will see a comprehensive study of the local road connections to the SCT Logistics terminal and broader Bromelton State Development Area.

"Efficient logistics movements are fundamental for a thriving economy, and infrastructure that enables such efficiency is vital to attracting new businesses to the region, " he said.

"It is important that we have high-performing arterial roads connecting Bromelton to the Mount Lindesay Highway."

Ben Popp, Queensland State Manager at SCT Logistics said the company is committed to investing in rail and the region, and road improvements were critical for the success of the intermodal hub.

"Currently, SCT Rail run between four and five, 1.5-kilometre-long train services weekly from Melbourne," he said.

"This equates to 100 B Double trucks per service in and out of Bromelton.

"SCT started operating out of Bromelton since 2017 and is now at near-capacity. Currently the roads are not fit for A Doubles and Road Trains and as a result, some trucks bypass the intermodal facility rather than collecting and dropping off freight.

"Through the Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program, Scenic Rim Regional Council will work with EY Australia to explore if upgrades could improve efficiency and assist the region with safer roads, less fatalities and less carbon emission with trucks and trains working together to move freight rather than competing.

"There is a place for trucks and trains in the supply chain which can only be achieved with infrastructure and policy that support this goal."

Mayor Christensen said Council put forward an expression of interest last year to the Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program, which aims to develop long-term benefits in the regions where Inland Rail will operate.

"We are grateful to the Australian Government for supporting our proposal and allocating this project to EY Australia to work with Council to study the proposal in detail," Cr Christensen said.

"Once complete we will have a well-prepared business case with proper data and research to give us a stronger platform to advocate for improvements and new arterial roads."

Image: Road improvements are critical for the success of SCT Logistics intermodal hub

Image source: SCT Logistics