Community Victory as Pacific National Abandons $5B Little River Freight Hub
Pacific National, a global freight giant, has cancelled its plans to build a $5 billion, 550-hectare logistics terminal at Little River, on Melbourne’s western edge. The decision comes after facing strong and persistent opposition from local residents and environmental groups, who campaigned tirelessly to protect the area.
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In a statement, Pacific National confirmed they would no longer pursue environmental or planning processes for the site. Citing changes in project timelines and economic factors, the company explained that the business case for the terminal was no longer viable.
However, many credit the determined efforts of the Little River community for the project’s downfall. The Little River Action Group, led by president Adrian Hamilton, celebrated the news, having gathered over 5000 signatures and staged a protest in August. “The site has a rich ecosystem that is worth protecting,” Hamilton said. “It must remain a green wedge and it abuts our small peaceful town.”
Residents voiced concerns over the potential loss of native vegetation and threatened ecosystems, such as the endangered Natural Temperate Grasslands, that are unique to the area. “It would have been a tragedy for Victoria to lose more of these stands of remnant native vegetation,” Hamilton added.
Pacific National expressed gratitude to stakeholders, project partners, and the community for their input. The decision is said to follow the Allan government shelving plans for the Western Interstate Freight Terminal in May, ultimately favouring the Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal in Melbourne’s north.
