The TRANSLink Intermodal Facility (TIF) is a proposed intermodal facility in or adjacent to the industrial precinct which is defined as a Specific Area Plan within the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, and aims to integrate rail, road and air freight transports modes with logistical and value-adding industrial activities.

The proposed TRANSLink Intermodal Facility would enable efficient transfer of goods from one mode of transport to another, significantly enhancing access to interstate and overseas markets, particularly for perishable goods. The facility would include a 24/7 freight hub, new rail spur from the existing line, and warehousing.

The proposed Intermodal Facility, once operational, will generate a wide range of economic benefits to the community, and economic contribution (in terms of income, value add and jobs) to the Tasmanian economy. These include:

Improving tourism visitation: Current use of Launceston CBD roads for freight leads to congestion and pollution, which reduces amenity and may deter tourists from spending time in the city. The Facility would redirect heavy freight traffic from the city, which in turn improves the urban environment and enhances overall visitor experience. Such benefits would be realised through increased tourism visitation and spending in the Launceston economy.

Improving freight movement efficiency and capacity: There are existing operational challenges such as curfew restrictions at the Team Global Express site in Launceston CBD, which limit freight movement and disrupt the supply chain. The Facility will address some of these operational inefficiencies as it will operate 24/7 and provide additional warehousing capacity for storing perishable goods.

Reducing road congestion: For rail freight to play an increased role and alleviate road congestion, new terminal infrastructure is required to provide more capacity and encourage innovation and competition with the intermodal industry. This will ensure its services become increasingly attractive compared to door-to-door road transport. Further, by diverting heavy traffic from the Launceston CBD, the Hub will ease transport burden on the CBD road network and generate travel time savings for road users.

Attracting investment opportunities: The Facility’s strategic location within the TRANSLink precinct makes Launceston an ideal point for businesses to establish distribution and warehousing centres. Agglomeration benefits could be realised as the presence of the Facility fosters collaboration between various providers in the supply chain.

The TRANSLink Intermodal Facility project is aligned with the priorities set out in regional strategic planning, including the Northern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy (2021), the Tasmanian Integrated Freight Strategy (2020), the Strategic Regional Plan for Tasmania (2023), and the Greater Launceston Plan. The development of the TRANSLink Intermodal Facility is identified as a local priority under the Integrated Priority Projects Plan (2021) and regionally as a priority under the Northern Tasmania Regional Priority Projects (2022).

In May 2024, Northern Midlands Council (NMC) successfully obtained Grant Funding from the Commonwealth of Australia represented by Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts for the Launceston Airport TRANSLink Facility Stage 1 (Planning).

The purpose of the Grant Funding is to support the planning of the TRANSLink Intermodal Facility (Stage 1) through the preparation of a feasibility study and business case, the progressing of design work, agreement negotiations and enable the securing of tenants, for the proposed TRANSLink Intermodal Facility. This process is important to continue to invest in the growth of the precinct and provide the land and transport connections to support industrial and logistics uses. The proposed Intermodal Hub would require a significant site in a location serviceable by rail.  There is urgency in establishing the business case and master planning for an expanded terminal through a new intermodal hub. The industrial precinct is continuing to develop and is growing in response to strong demand across the region. 

Northern Tasmania Development Corporation have partnered with Northern Midlands Council to deliver the objectives of the Grant Funding.

To view current timeline of the project click here.