5 October 2026 – Port of Melbourne, in partnership with Qube, Australian Amalgamated Terminals (AAT) and the Victorian Government, is strengthening the state’s position in the critical minerals supply chain through targeted rail investment and port infrastructure upgrades at Appleton Dock.
This progress marks a significant step in building Victoria’s critical minerals industry—an increasingly important sector supporting renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. Critically, the enhanced infrastructure at Appleton Dock includes upgrades to transition the facility to handle dry bulk commodities.
Additionally, Port of Melbourne’s upgraded rail-connected facilities enable the transport of critical minerals from the Qube Ultima Intermodal Terminal to the Port, where product is transferred from rail to vessel to be delivered for processing. The first rail shipment was loaded onto a vessel that departed the port last week, on 28 September 2026.
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said, “Rail freight investments drive the movement of goods across the state, and this critical service ensures goods are getting where they need to go and that critical minerals can meet the demand created by the renewable energy transition.”
Complementing the Victorian Government’s major investments on the rail line through Korong Vale to Manangatang, rail infrastructure investments at the Port support supply chain efficiency and strengthen Victoria’s end-to-end logistics capability.
Port of Melbourne Chief Executive Officer Saul Cannon said, “We are proud to support Australia’s expanding critical minerals industry by strengthening our rail-to-port capability. Upgrades at Appleton Dock are enabling more efficient transport of critical minerals by rail, unlocking new export capacity while improving supply chain performance.”
“Since 2016, we have invested more than $1 billion in infrastructure, with a further $1.5 billion planned by 2030. These investments are ensuring the Port has the capacity needed to meet Victoria’s growing trade task.”
The upgrades at Appleton Dock include enhanced wharf infrastructure, improved rail interfaces, streamlined bulk handling processes and specialised equipment to support the efficient transfer of commodities from train to ship. These enhancements are transforming the facility into a multi-modal logistics hub, capable of handling dry bulk commodities with strong integration between rail and maritime operations.
Pat Smith, AAT Managing Director, said, “The rail siding upgrades and other investments we’ve made, in partnership with the Port of Melbourne, herald a new era for Appleton Dock as it transitions from a general cargo facility to an intermodal terminal capable of facilitating the import and export of general cargo and bulk exports, including critical minerals.”
Director of Qube Bulk Todd Emmert, said, “Our freight and logistics solution leverage our heavy haulage and rail infrastructure experience and expertise, together with our proprietary Rotabox technology and specialist trailer equipment, which has been built using local suppliers, to deliver critical minerals from pit to port, helping support jobs and stimulate economic growth and development across the supply chain.”
For more information contact:
Nicole Ng
0427 700 844
nicole.ng@portofmelbourne.com