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WODONGA ratepayers have been locked into bankrolling unspecified infrastructure if a multimillion-dollar offer for land to build a rail terminal at the Logic industrial hub is accepted next year.
Wodonga Council was presented on Tuesday with the offer for 30 hectares of land at North Barnawartha plus options on two other 12-hectare and eight-hectare blocks.
It is the biggest breakthrough in the council’s decade-long plan to establish a rail terminal at Logic.
Rather than wait for their final meeting of the year in a fortnight to deal with the offer from Blanalko Pty Ltd, the property arm of SCT Logistics, the council set the wheels in motion yesterday.
Land sales could top $5 million and proceeds are expected to reduce the council’s $30 million-plus debt.
The council has called for public submissions commenting on the Blanalko offer, which will be dealt with at two further special meetings in January.
Mayor Rodney Wangman had returned from a short overseas trip to move a motion that council advance the offer, seconded by Cr Anna Speedie.
Former mayors Mark Byatt and Lisa Mahood were apologies from the meeting attended by representatives from the nearby Ettamogah rail hub and Border Rail Action Group.
Cr Wangman wouldn’t disclose details of the offer, but said the “purchase price for (land) on the plans will be at or above valuation”.
Blanalko will source government funding to build the rail terminal.
Cr Wangman said the council would partially fund “agreed” infrastructure and enter into a rates concession deed.
The council has previously contributed or sought government funding for other major infrastructure projects including road upgrades in central Wodonga and the nearby replacement saleyards due to open next year.
The last time council had a serious offer on the table for a rail terminal was almost six years ago.
“The biggest issues last time were the global financial crisis,” Cr Wangman said.
“We were positive, but no one knew what was around the corner.
“There has always been interest, but we have to remain patient because it is someone else’s money.”
Almost 18 months ago the council spent $360,000 on removing old rail track from central Wodonga in the hope it could be used for a rail terminal at Logic.
It had been costed at more than $20 million and would be the second biggest investment at Logic behind the $100 million Woolworths distribution centre.
“We are in a public process at the end of which councillors will give consideration to the best benefits for Wodonga,” Cr Wangman said.
Blanalko couldn’t be contacted for comment.
