Australia Post's latest state-of-the-art parcel facility was officially opened today in Avalon Victoria by the Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence and Local Member for Corio. The new facility boosts Australia Post's capacity to support eCommerce growth across the region, ahead of the busy peak Christmas delivery period.
The facility is 14,000 sqm and can process 40,000 parcels per day, with capacity to expand to 60,000 parcels per day in the future. With more than 150 team members, the facility has been built to support parcel and mail processing, pick-up and delivery, as well as transport and linehaul operations.
Strategically located next to the airport and close to key business customers within the new industrial park, the Avalon Parcel Facility has been purpose built to support the growing population of the Greater Geelong region, one of the two fastest growing areas in regional Australia1.
Energy efficiency was an important consideration, with a Building Management System (BMS) installed that allows smart remote control of mechanical and electrical services to reduce power consumption.
Australia Post CEO and Managing Director Paul Graham said the new facility highlighted Australia Post's efforts to meet continued parcel growth as more Australians continue to shop online, particularly in the lead up to Christmas.
"This modern facility is another key milestone for Australia Post and an important investment in our future as growth in eCommerce continues. Being close to Avalon Airport and having access to key transport links will ensure we can deliver efficiently through our network, which is great news for our customers, particularly as we approach the busiest time of year for online shopping."
"Expanding our capacity in Avalon ensures our customers will receive a consistently reliable service. With the high-tech equipment we have installed in this facility, we can process more than 5,000 large parcels every hour through our automated sorting machines, which ensures we get deliveries out to customers faster," Mr Graham said.
Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence and Local Member for Corio said, "This is an exciting day for Geelong because this facility supports more than 100 jobs right here in Avalon. It is my pleasure to officially open the facility today."
David Fox, Executive Chairman Avalon Airport said, "We warmly welcome Australia Post to Avalon Airport's expanding industrial and e-commerce hub. We are proud of this partnership, marking a new phase of seamless connectivity. This sets the stage for an era of progress and growth. By accommodating further developments, we strengthen the airport's role as a key contributor to the economy in Geelong, Melbourne, and broader Victoria. At Avalon, the opportunities are limitless, we are just taking off!"
Retailer, Cotton On, which is located within the Avalon industrial area, recently signed a new two-year agreement with Australia Post to deliver eCommerce orders to its customers, nationally.
Andy Sanderson, General Manager Group Distribution at Cotton On said, "The proximity of the Australia Post Avalon Parcel Facility to our Australian Distribution Centre is set improve our speed to customers as we fulfil eCommerce orders, elevating their experience and getting them more of what they want, when and where they want it."
The Avalon Parcel Facility includes a newly developed tier-two large parcel sorter, parking for up to 14 semi-trailers and 92 indoor van bays. Australia Post will also undertake mail processing, including letters and small parcels, for the City of Greater Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and outlying areas, with an average of 30,000 letters and 7000 small parcels delivered within this catchment each week.
ENDS
1Australian Government Centre for Population
Media contact:
Anna Garcia, Senior PR Manager
M: 0409 402 966
