Sustainability
National Intermodal remains committed to the creation of a positive environmental, social and economic legacy for future generations.
Sustainability in Action at Moorebank
Our approach to sustainability at Moorebank is delivering measurable outcomes for the environment and the community. Through innovative design, responsible resource management and targeted biodiversity initiatives, we are reducing impacts while enhancing natural assets across the site. These results highlight how we are embedding sustainability into every stage of development, turning ambition into tangible outcomes.
1.2m+
of material excavated with approximately 75% re-used on site
32,000
fewer trucks on road en route to landfill
1,477
tonnes of CO2e avoided
100+
hectares of biodiversity conservation
56
hectares of exotic weeds managed
9
hectares of degraded land re-purposed for native replanting
Our Strategy
At National Intermodal, we are embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations to help shape a resilient and future-ready Australian supply chain. Our approach focuses on reducing emissions, building climate resilience, protecting biodiversity, and supporting local communities.
We champion renewable energy, nature-positive design, and collaborative partnerships. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we are committed to delivering lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits for all Australians.
Our Six Strategic Pillars
Our Initiatives
National Intermodal is delivering real-world sustainability outcomes
through targeted initiatives across our precincts.
Zero-Emission Freight
We have led industry research into battery-electric locomotives and are actively exploring the use of electric shunter locomotives for short-distance freight movements. These efforts are helping to accelerate the shift towards lower-emission freight solutions in Australia.
Nature-Positive Restoration
At Moorebank, we have regenerated degraded land by planting over 9,500 native trees, restoring fauna corridors, and removing invasive weeds. Our biodiversity programs have improved native vegetation health and created new habitats for local wildlife.
Community Engagement
Our Eco-Tour Program at Moorebank connects local students with conservation in action, while employee-led initiatives like the Darkness Into Light walk support mental health awareness and community wellbeing.
Innovative Design
We are piloting climate-resilient infrastructure, such as viaducts to protect wetlands, and investigating renewable energy solutions to power future precincts. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to practical, measurable sustainability that delivers benefits for the environment, communities, and the national supply chain.
Our Sustainability Partners
What We Have Achieved on Our Journey So Far
Our Reflect RAP laid the groundwork for long‑term and authentic reconciliation by building cultural understanding, establishing relationships, and identifying the systems and structures we need for sustainable progress. Key achievements included:
Building Cultural Awareness and Respect
Delivered cultural workshops exploring the history and cultural practices of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, strengthening staff awareness of colonisation and local heritage.
Enhanced staff capability through internal learning, cultural protocol awareness, and organisational Acknowledgement of Country practices.
Strengthening Relationships and Engagement
Began mapping First Nations stakeholders across our operating locations, forming a basis for long‑term, place‑based engagement.
Deepened relationships through ongoing communication with Traditional Owner groups, including the Wurundjeri Woi‑Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and local Aboriginal organisations.
Cultural Heritage Protection
- Continued our commitment to cultural heritage responsibilities, including the respectful reburial of Aboriginal artefacts at Moorebank and carrying out Cultural Heritage Assessments dating back to 2014.
- Ensured project planning and design considered cultural values from the outset.
Economic and Social Inclusion Foundations
- Joined Supply Nation (October 2023), embedding a commitment to increasing procurement from First Nations businesses.
- Laid early foundations for a future First Nations Strategy, set to improve employment pathways and supplier diversity across our operations.
Celebrating Culture Through Art
- Commissioned “Muraway”, our RAP artwork by Dalmarri, symbolising shared pathways, connection to Country and an interconnected future between National Intermodal and First Nations communities.
A Continued Commitment to Reconciliation
As a developer of critical infrastructure, National Intermodal has a responsibility to contribute positively to the communities we operate in, and to honour the deep cultural and spiritual connections Traditional Custodians maintain with their lands and waters.
The Innovate RAP represents the next step in this shared journey—a journey of listening, learning and acting with integrity.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with First Nations communities, Reconciliation Australia, our partners and our people as we move into the Innovate phase with purpose, momentum and respect.
Sustainability FAQs
Innovation is central to our approach. We have conducted a global study into battery‑electric locomotives, completed a business case for a trial, undertaken climate risk assessments, and evaluated alternative materials and design options to improve environmental outcomes.
We assess our progress through established environmental metrics, ecological monitoring, and independent benchmarking. We have completed work such as an emissions intensity baseline, vegetation integrity monitoring, and climate risk assessments. As a Group Three entity under Australia’s mandatory climate disclosure framework, our formal reporting obligations begin in FY28, but we are already building the foundations needed to ensure robust and reliable reporting.
We manage conservation zones, monitor native vegetation health, and run educational programs like Eco-Tours to foster community connection with local ecosystems.
Social procurement means using our purchasing power to create opportunities for underrepresented groups and regional communities. This includes engaging diverse suppliers and supporting local economic development.
We partner with local organisations, support employee-led community initiatives, and provide educational experiences for schools and community groups to strengthen relationships and deliver shared value. If you’re interested in partnering with us, get in touch.
We conduct climate risk assessments for all new developments and integrate findings into design and operational decisions, ensuring our infrastructure is prepared for future climate challenges.
Our latest Sustainability Report is available on our website and provides comprehensive details on our goals, initiatives, and progress.
