16/02/2026
Project Status Updates
Project Status Update – February 2026
We have been collaborating across the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to deliver planning services and advice to support the future development of the Northern Freight Precinct (NFP) and surrounding areas, including the delivery of the Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal (BIFT) in the northern part of the NFP.
Following the Minister for Planning’s approval of the BIFT Stage 1A Planning Scheme Amendment (GC249) in August 2025, we have continued working with National Intermodal (NI) to provide planning services and guidance to support the advancement of Stage 1A of the BIFT.
Since our last update in November, we have:
- Continued to work with NI to advance planning for the BIFT.
- Progressed background studies and technical studies covering drainage, transport, cultural heritage, bushfire and safety management to identify opportunities and constraints that will inform the precinct’s place-based plan.
- Finalised the land capability and utilities technical studies to inform staging, infrastructure coordination and future development planning across the precinct.
- Advanced investigations and agency engagement to support development of the drainage and Integrated Water Management (IWM) strategy for the precinct.
- Maintained engagement with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWCHAC) to recognise and embed cultural heritage values and opportunities within the precinct.
- Continued collaboration with Melbourne Water, City of Whittlesea, Mitchell Shire Council and other state government agencies to identify and address key strategic planning matters for the precinct.
In the coming months, we will continue working closely with agencies and councils while advancing and completing the technical studies that will underpin planning for the precinct. We will also continue developing the place-based plan in preparation for agency validation.