AusRAIL, Market Sectors

MIST given go-ahead to expand rail infrastructure

<p>The Macarthur Intermodal Shipping Terminal (MIST) has been granted approval by the Campbelltown Council to develop two lengths of rail track, each approximately 2 km in length outside its combined facility. </p> <p>The development application approval allows MIST to develop twin rail sidings within a rail easement on the eastern side of the Main Southern Rail Line between Ben Lomond Road and Rose Payten Drive outside the Minto-based property.</p> <p>MIST’s rail plans include, besides the proposed 4 km of rail track outside the terminal, another 2.7 km of track within it &#8211 comprising two 645-metre lengths, and two of 700 metres, adjacent to the main southern line.</p> <p>MIST worked with ministers from local and state levels to have a landowner’s consent approved by RailCorp and the Department of Planning to develop the set-back land. </p> <p>MIST managing director said the land would give the company space for a marshalling yard.</p> <p>Mr Heraghty said the first stage of the rail development would begin shortly, and was expected to be completed late 2007 or early 2008. </p> <p>&#8220This will provide the terminal with the potential for&#8224three return trains from Minto to Port Botany seven days a week with a capacity exceeding 220,000 teu,&#8221 he said.</p> <p>&#8220Stage two of the development (the Greater Minto Terminal) will see the terminal begin to focus more closely on interstate volumes, with the potential for the terminal to move over 400,000 teu annually with a mixture of domestic and international freight,&#8221 Mr Heraghty said.</p> <p>The rail terminal would be open access and multi-user, Mr Heraghty said.</p> <br />