A step forward for Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub
Published: 13 Dec 2023 4:45pm
Wagga Wagga City Council and the NSW Government have taken a huge step forward in achieving the benefits of the Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct and the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RIFL) Hub Project.
The RiFL Hub will deliver significant benefits and strengthen the regional economy, creating opportunities for businesses looking to relocate from metropolitan areas and establish in regional NSW.
In July 2023, Council released two separate land holdings consisting of 25 lots for sale through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process, managed by Colliers International.
At their Ordinary Meeting on Monday (11 December), Councillors endorsed the recommendations within the Expression of Interest Evaluation Report.
Council’s General Manager Peter Thompson is pleased with the outcome of the process, saying for years now, the NSW Government and Council have worked together to create an industrial area which is attractive to business and industry.
“The rail master siding and intermodal facility have been built; the industrial subdivision has been built; and with the successful completion of these projects, industry was then invited to buy into the precinct and so affirm the value of initiative,” Mr Thompson said.
“This week we see six lots moving to sale negotiations as a result of the Expression of Interest process.
“The successful applicants made exceptional submissions and will be great developments for the Riverina. Value-added processing for the agricultural sector is one of the key business themes in the people looking to buy land in the precinct.
"The proof is in the result, and we have secured the types of businesses which we were hoping to attract.
“This is only the beginning of the land sale journey with many more interested parties waiting to move forward with their own negotiations once the EOI process concludes.”
Council has authorised the General Manager or delegate to enter negotiations with the parties as recommended in the report, and to extend Colliers International Pty Ltd engagement until December 2024 to market the other land parcels in the precinct.
Council will receive a further report on any future proposed sales of the remaining lots for Council endorsement.
“It has been a long and slow process with two levels of government both being vendors of the land,” Mr Thompson said. “It has been supervised by two Probity advisors.
“We are confident we have got it right and there is a shared excitement about the future for the precinct and the region.”
The RiFL Hub project, including the Bomen Enterprise Area industrial subdivision, has been funded by the NSW Government through the Fixing Country Rail program and Growing Local Economies fund, Wagga Wagga City Council and Visy Logistics.