The symbiosis nexus between infrastructure provision and freight activity: the case of intermodal terminal system in Australia

Australia is a large nation far from its international markets. The ability to efficiently and effectively undertake the freight task substantially determines its international competitiveness. The Australian domestic freight activity has doubled in size over the past 20 years, averaging growth of 3.5 per cent per annum with the intermodal sector measuring the fastest growth rate. This has already posed major difficulties to the community and businesses by creating congestion and interrupting the smooth flow of freight, particularly in the metropolitan cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Despite the significant growth in container volumes, rail's role has been limited, as an effective mode of transporting cargo, due to lower service levels when compared with those offered by the road sector. In this sense, the development of intermodal infrastructure is the key facility for rail to provide a door-to-door service in the freight markets. In addition, the efficiency of the transfer between modes has a major impact on the competitiveness of rail service. This paper aims to develop a better understanding of the role of intermodal terminals and related infrastructure in providing a greater role for rail in the Australian container freight market. Using both primary and secondary data analysis, a better understanding of how intermodal infrastructure facilitates rail freight operations and subsequent market is achieved. This detailed understanding is a key facilitator for policy makers and freight operators to better utilise the available resources, as well as informed planning decisions for future intermodal infrastructure developments.