Online shoppers and businesses in the Greater Geelong area and Melbourne's west can expect quicker deliveries to their doorsteps, with a new dedicated freight processing facility coming to Avalon Airport – backed by the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins today announced a new $8 million facility will boost freight processing and handling at Avalon Airport, with packages set to be processed at a much faster rate.
In the financial year ending June 2023, Avalon Airport handled over 10,000 tonnes of cargo from 52 aircrafts. Once operational, the new 24/7 freight facility will be able to process over 100,000 tonnes of cargo each year including both domestic and international freight.
The state-of-the-art facility will be equipped with advanced scanning technology, making it one of the first airports in Australia to comply with the new Border Force security screening standards.
The new facility will halve the number of trucks that are currently transporting freight between Avalon Airport and Melbourne Airport with more packages and parcels going out directly from Avalon.
On track to open in 2025, the new facility will create six new direct jobs and hundreds of flow-on jobs in cargo handling, warehousing and distribution.
The new freight processing centre is part of the Greater Avalon Employment Precinct and will bolster its role as an economic hub for the surrounding areas. The Avalon Airport Industrial Precinct is already home to distribution centres for large businesses such as Australia Post, Cotton On and Petstock.
The freight and logistics industry keeps our state moving and employs more than 260,000 Victorians.
Quote attributable to Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins
"This new facility at Avalon Airport will create jobs, attract new businesses, get trucks off the road and expand trade and commerce opportunities for the whole region."
Quote attributable to Acting Minister for Ports and Freight Gabrielle Williams
"This new freight processing facility will significantly speed up package handling and distribution, allowing faster deliveries while cutting down on the number of trucks on our roads."
Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George
"This new centre is a major boost for our region, bringing jobs for locals, new opportunities for businesses and faster deliveries for our online shopping."
Quote attributable to Ari Suss, CEO Melbourne Avalon Airport
"The establishment of this state-of-the-art freight processing facility will strengthen Melbourne Avalon Airport's role as a critical logistics hub and the creation of a multi-modal hub for Victoria. This investment ensures we can meet the growing demands of e-commerce and trade, driving efficiency and creating new jobs in the region."
