In 2007, I was appointed Australia’s first ever Infrastructure Minister, with the creation of Infrastructure Australia was a central policy.
This was about ensuring cost benefit analysis of projects to drive productivity and economic growth were the focus of the national government’s investment, not electoral maps.
There is no greater example of the difference this approach has made than in this transformative project.
The Moorebank Intermodal Precinct will drive the national productivity agenda and today all of us can see for ourselves what a positive difference this project will make to Western Sydney, to our national freight network and to Australia’s future prosperity.
It’s true that nation-building can take time, it can cause short-term disruptions and frustrations, it can test the patience of governments, businesses, investors and citizens alike.
But when the planning and design are right, when the vision is there, the benefits are truly generational.
That’s why this project will be a generational achievement – powering productivity, serving and supporting growing communities and creating good jobs.
Because – even at this scale – infrastructure is never just about roads or railways or runways.
It’s about lifting living standards and creating economic opportunity and driving growth and preparing our nation to compete and win into the future.
That’s why, while today brings me real pride in what’s been achieved, it gives me even greater optimism for what’s ahead.
Because this ceremony marks the end of one journey – and the beginning of a much bigger one.
The import-export terminal has been up and running between here and Port Botany since 2019.
The arrival of the first interstate freight train here today signals a new era for rail in Australia.
By moving more container freight by rail, this terminal will save around 3,000 truck journeys a day on Sydney’s roads.
That will make a big difference to traffic on key arterial roads like the M5.
It will also guarantee more resilient supply chains – which the pandemic taught us are vital for our national self-reliance.
It will deliver an economic benefit to Western Sydney of up to 6,800 jobs.
And it will save around 110,000 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.
That’s in addition to the savings from Australia’s largest rooftop solar installation.
I don’t think we could have imagined this 12 years ago, but this entire precinct is going to run on renewable energy.
Of course, rail is one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport.
It will play a growing and vital part in meeting expanding demand for passenger and freight transport, into the future.
Because as well as having a smaller carbon footprint, rail is cheaper – and safer. On a significant scale.
Just one 1,800 metre train can replace as many as 100 B-Double trucks per trip.
That’s why, in major cities all over the world, urban rail and high-speed rail are picking up speed, as nations and cities modernise their transport systems for the 21st century.
Throughout its history, rail has always been both emblem and engine of progress.
And even though it’s 170 years since the first rail journey in Australia – in 2024, rail keeps rolling on.
When you stand here at Moorebank, or at the new Western Sydney International Airport, it’s clear that Western Sydney will be an engine for Australia’s future growth and a driver of our success.
This new chapter in Australia’s nation building story has many proud authors.
Congratulations to you all.
Your hard work, your vision and your determination has transformed this site and now it will help our nation shape the future.
It is my great honour to declare this Interstate Terminal open.
