Little River community ‘elated’ as Pacific National withdraws freight hub

The Little River community is thrilled Pacific National has announced it is withdrawing applications for a controversial project.

Protesters rallied against the $3bn freight hub that was originally planned for Little River. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Little River residents are celebrating after receiving notification a freight terminal would not be proceeding alongside the town.

Pacific National has withdrawn applications for the Little River Logistics Precinct Project.

Little River Action Group president Adrian Hamilton said people were “elated” by the news.

Mr Hamilton said it was a victory on many fronts — for the community, green wedge zones, the environment and the state.

“In the 1970s the foresight of some politicians put aside a dozen green wedge zones around Melbourne and Victoria and this was the first significant testing of those green wedges,” he said.

“If this one had gone through to heavy industry it would have set a precedent for the rest of the green wedges around Victoria so the victory is one of many facets.”

Mr Hamilton said there were endangered ecosystems on the site and residents were also concerned it would put more trucks on the road and create more congestion around crossings.

He said the community, action group, Wyndham councillors, politicians and environmental groups came together for a co-ordinated campaign to oppose the project.

A Pacific National spokeswoman said the company was notifying statutory authorities and decision-makers it was withdrawing applications for the project.

“Pacific National has made the decision given the changed timeline for associated freight and infrastructure projects and broader economic factors at this time which have impacted on the project business case,” she said.

The spokeswoman said Pacific National would continue to focus on operations at Melbourne Freight Terminal to be well-positioned to support customers.

“As the country’s largest intermodal freight operator, we remain focused on ensuring a terminal solution in Melbourne’s west is secured to keep critical freight volumes on rail and reduce road congestion and emissions,” she said.

“The business will continue to assess alternative terminal site options as they emerge to support efficient freight transport connectivity.”

Originally published as Little River community ‘elated’ as Pacific National withdraws freight hub