The Intermodal Logistics Centre (ILC) at Enfield is part of a network of existing and planned intermodal terminal facilities in Sydney and would service around a quarter of the total intermodal demand.
Container trade through Sydney has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 8.9% per annum for the last five years. Trade forecasts indicate that this growth is set to continue, but at a slightly lower rate of between 5 to 7% over the next 20 years.
With container trade through Port Botany expected to exceed 3.2 million by 2020 (1.778 million in 2007/08), the NSW Government and Sydney Ports have an objective to move 40% of these containers in and out of the port by rail. Currently around 20% of containers move by rail.
Achieving 40% movement by rail requires investment in infrastructure (rail and intermodal terminals), commitment from the industry, and government initiatives to enable this to happen. 85% of containers originate from or are bound for a destination within 40 kilometres of Port Botany, making it imperative that any new infrastructure to facilitate movement of freight by rail is built in the metropolitan area of Sydney.