Community Support - Proposed Qube Facility

Community Support - Proposed Qube Facility

Community Support for Proposed Multi-Modal Freight and Logistics Facility in Murtoa

Yarriambiack Shire Council, Murtoa Progress Association and Qube Logistics have welcomed strong community interest and support following a recent information session on Qube's proposed Multi-Modal Freight and Logistics Facility in Murtoa.

Approximately 50 community members attended the meeting held on 21 July 2026, where representatives from Qube Logistics outlined plans for the significant investment and the opportunities it could create for Murtoa and the broader Wimmera region.

Qube representatives Simon Swindon - General Manager South Australia, Darren Byrne - General Manager Commercial SA/WA, and Luke Thomas - General Manager Commercial Victoria, presented an overview of Qube's operations and detailed plans for the proposed Murtoa freight terminal.

The company intends to invest more than $5 million into the development and is targeting operations to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to obtaining the necessary planning approvals.

The proposed facility will see Qube relocate from its current leased site in Horsham and establish a permanent regional base in Murtoa.

Currently, Qube's Horsham operation moves approximately 420 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) per week to the Port of Melbourne and employs 25 staff. The Murtoa development is expected to create an additional 25 jobs, strengthening local employment opportunities and delivering long-term economic benefits to the region.

Importantly, the shift from road freight to rail is expected to remove approximately 100 road train truck movements, easing pressure on regional roads, improving safety outcomes and reducing transport emissions.

The facility will primarily support agricultural freight movements and improve supply chain resilience by reducing reliance on road transport, addressing driver shortages and mitigating rising fuel costs associated with global supply disruptions.

The proposal aligns strongly with both the Victorian Freight Plan and the Australian Government's National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, supporting greater freight efficiencies and improved regional connectivity.

Qube's proposal includes:

Construction of an initial 500-metre rail terminal with an earthen base.

Development of a site office with staff amenities.

Construction of a domed workshop for equipment and container repairs.

Construction of bunkers and infrastructure for grain receival and storage.

Storage capacity for up to 500 containers.

Operation of a reach stacker to transfer containers between road and rail.

An average of four train services per week.

Predominantly daytime rail operations, subject to rail network scheduling.

Community feedback to date has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly following the former landowners' public confirmation of the sale to Qube earlier this year.

The proposal has generated considerable optimism within the community, with many residents recognising the potential for new employment opportunities, increased investment and enhanced freight capabilities across the region.

Chief Executive Officer, Tammy Smith said the proposal closely aligns with Council's long-term economic development objectives.

"The proposed Qube project directly supports the objectives of our Council Plan and Economic Development Strategy. It will create local job opportunities and shift freight from road to rail, an outcome our Councillors and community have long advocated for."

"One of Council's key economic development priorities is Freight to Rail. We actively support the development of rail sidings, terminals and freight transfer infrastructure that protects our road network while strengthening regional supply chains."

"Council has been championing opportunities to add value to our agricultural sector, and Qube's end-to-end logistics model could unlock new economic benefits for our Shire and wider region. The potential to provide exporters with direct access to global markets through rail connections to the Port of Melbourne is an exciting opportunity for our community."

Ms Smith noted that rail freight plays a critical role in supporting regional growth while reducing wear and tear on local roads.

"Given the significant investment required to address renewal demands across our road network, it is important we support initiatives that move more freight by rail where practical. Rail offers a more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution for transporting large freight volumes over long distances."

Planning Process to Commence

Council expects to receive a planning permit application from Qube in the coming weeks.

Once lodged, the application will undergo a comprehensive assessment process under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Yarriambiack Planning Scheme.

The process will include:

Detailed assessment of application documentation.

Opportunities for public comment and submissions.

Referrals to relevant government agencies.

Consideration of all planning, environmental and community impacts.

Council anticipates the application process may take approximately three to four months, depending on referral requirements, submissions received and statutory timeframes.

The community will have formal opportunities to provide feedback during the public notification stage of the process.

A Qube Logistics spokesperson said:

"Qube is pleased to be working with Council and Regional Development Victoria on plans for a new multi-modal freight and logistics facility on a recently acquired parcel of land in Murtoa."

"The development of the site, which will see Qube shift from a leased facility in Horsham to establish a permanent footprint in the region, will expand employment opportunities both during the construction phase and ongoing, as we look to extend our operations and services to an even wider variety of customers and industries throughout the region."

"As well as providing a hub for road transport services, our new Murtoa site will also include a rail siding, allowing exports from the region to travel directly to the Port of Melbourne by rail. This will help open new markets for customers, reduce truck movements and provide a lower-emissions transport option."

"We're proud of our continued investment in the Wimmera region and look forward to turning the first sod on our new Murtoa home."

Media Contact:

Yarriambiack Shire Council

Phone: (03) 5398 0100

Email:

[email protected]

END OF RELEASE

Tammy Smith

Chief Executive Officer

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