Groundstation Pty Ltd Groundstation Pty Ltd

TRS introduces 5-year warranty on Thermaxx refrigerated truck bodies

Transport Refrigeration Services (TRS) has introduced an industry leading 5-year warranty across its Thermaxx refrigerated truck body range, reinforcing its commitment to long service life and long-term asset performance for operators across Australia.

Transport Refrigeration Services (TRS) has introduced an industry-leading 5-year warranty across its Thermaxx refrigerated truck body range, reinforcing its commitment to long service life and long-term asset performance for operators across Australia.

This 5-year warranty reflects confidence in the engineering, materials and manufacturing processes behind each Thermaxx build.

The warranty applies to the structural integrity of eligible insulated bodies delivered from 31 March 2026.

Thermaxx truck bodies are designed for demanding Australian conditions, sustained thermal load and operational durability. Build discipline, panel construction and material selection are centred on performance that remains consistent over time.

“This decision reflects how we approach product development,” TRS CEO, Daniel Wilton said. “The 5-year warranty demonstrates confidence in the way Thermaxx bodies are engineered and constructed and provides operators with assurance that their build is designed to remain in service for the long-term.” Thermaxx bodies are built, serviced and maintained by TRS at branches located in NSW, QLD, VIC and SA, providing national support throughout the life of the vehicle.

Full warranty terms and eligibility criteria are available at thermaxx.com.au.

Like to know more?

Contact Evan Roubekas
Email: communications@trsservice.com.au
MOB: 0436 698 936

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Welcoming New RWTA Member, Adlerian Consulting!

New member, Adlerian Consulting is an Australian organisational consultancy dedicated to helping businesses strengthen leadership capability, workplace culture and overall performance.

New member, Adlerian Consulting is an Australian organisational consultancy dedicated to helping businesses strengthen leadership capability, workplace culture and overall performance.

With a strong focus on practical, people-centred solutions, the team partners with organisations to navigate change, build aligned teams and deliver sustainable results.

Their expertise spans leadership development, organisational transformation, employee engagement and strategic HR advisory. Grounded in a deep understanding of human behaviour, Adlerian Consulting works closely with leaders to create clarity, accountability and shared direction.

Through structured frameworks and tailored programs, they support organisations to grow with confidence and purpose.

Get in touch now! 

Keith Abbott
Managing Director
+61 477 321 449
www.adlerianconsulting.com.au

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RWTA Sydney Golf Day Wash-Up!

Another great event hosted by RWTA with over 100 people booked in to play! Great sponsored holes offering a very tasty hot dog and impressive wagyu beef pie with all the trimmings that went down extremely well!

Could the day have been better? The weather was warm (OK, it was a bit hot!), very sunny, very well attended (>100 were booked in to play!), with great sponsored holes offering a very tasty hot dog and impressive wagyu beef pie with all the trimmings that went down extremely well!

The RWTA was proud to donate $5,000 to Foodbank on behalf of the Australian cold chain industry.

This contribution celebrates the extraordinary work our sector delivers every day behind the scenes — ensuring that quality food reaches Australians who need it most.

At a time when food insecurity in New South Wales is the worst it has been in Australia’s recent history, the partnership between Foodbank and the Australian cold chain is more important than ever.

From refrigerated transport and cold storage to the skilled people who manage and move food safely across the state, the cold chain plays a critical role in helping Foodbank deliver safe, nutritious and delicious meals to hundreds of thousands of individuals and families.

It is a powerful reminder that beyond keeping food fresh, our industry helps keep communities fed.

Thank you to all who made it on the day, it is always our pleasure to host you!

Click here for the link to view the event gallery.

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Have Your Say: Help Shape a Thriving Transport and Logistics Industry with the Thriving Workplace Index (TWI) survey.

The Thriving Workplace Index (TWI) survey is now open, and we want to hear from you. This is your chance to share your experiences and help drive meaningful change across the transport, warehousing, and logistics industry.

The Thriving Workplace Index (TWI) survey is now open, and we want to hear from you. This is your chance to share your experiences and help drive meaningful change across the transport, warehousing, and logistics industry.

The initiative stems from a partnership between Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (Healthy Heads) and SuperFriend, with support from GT Insurance.

Why Participate?

Over the past eight years, research has shown that people working in transport and logistics face consistently higher psychological risks than those in other industries. Frontline workers report greater exposure to stressors such as traumatic events, unclear responsibilities, heavy workloads, and limited support from management. These pressures lead to stress, burnout, and workforce turnover, impacting both safety and performance.

Key industry insights from the Healthy Heads and SuperFriend 2025 Industry Forum include:

  1. Disconnection and Leadership Gaps: Long shifts, remote work, and automation can leave workers feeling isolated. Only 69% of people in transport and logistics feel that colleagues care about one another at work. Strong, visible leaders are essential to building trust and supporting mental health.

  2. Work Design Matters: Systems frequently prioritise operations over people. Only 50% feel comfortable speaking up about mental health, and just 54% believe their organisation is mentally healthy.

  3. Connection is the Catalyst for Change: Structured peer support, regular check-ins, and visible leadership can help reduce isolation and improve overall wellbeing.

Your Input Makes a Difference

The TWI survey gives industry workers a direct voice in shaping workforce wellbeing strategies. Insights gathered will inform practical solutions for:

  • Building connected, resilient teams

  • Developing visible, capable leaders

  • Creating work and safety systems that treat mental health as essential

How to Get Involved

Encourage your colleagues, teams, and networks to participate. To simplify promotion, a marketing kit is available for sharing across your workplace and community.

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Welcoming New RWTA Member, Aushin!

We are pleased to welcome Aushin Pty Ltd as a new member of the RWTA.

We are pleased to welcome Aushin Pty Ltd as a new member of the RWTA.

Established in 2004, Aushin is a privately owned Australian business that has grown to become one of the country’s leading importers and distributors of premium frozen products. Operating from its facility in Lidcombe, adjacent to Sydney Olympic Park, Aushin plays an important role in supplying quality frozen seafood and produce to its customers across Australia.

Aushin specialises in the import and distribution of a broad range of frozen products, including prawns, fish, crabs, cephalopods, seafood dim sims, surimi-based products, frozen fruit and frozen vegetables. The company is recognised for delivering premium-quality products at competitive prices to restaurants, fish shops, seafood markets, supermarkets and other commercial food businesses nationwide.

Beyond importing and distribution, Aushin also provides comprehensive cold chain services. Its cold storage facilities offer extensive freezer and chiller capacity to the market, supporting businesses that require reliable, temperature-controlled storage solutions. Complementing its storage capabilities, Aushin operates a fleet of temperature-controlled vehicles, enabling daily deliveries throughout the Sydney metropolitan area.

By combining import expertise, modern cold storage infrastructure and dependable refrigerated transport, Aushin delivers an integrated cold chain solution that supports Australia’s food service and retail sectors.

RWTA looks forward to supporting Aushin’s continued growth and contribution to Australia’s temperature-controlled logistics industry.

You can reach out to Aushin here:

Richard Liu
M: +61 404 008 188
Ph: 02 97081586
4 Arkley Street, Bankstown NSW 2200 Australia
https://www.aushin.com.au/

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Kicking off our 2026 events at our QLD Networking Breakfast - Cold Chain Compliance

Yesterday’s QLD Networking Breakfast on Cold Chain Compliance was delivered by Adam Wade of Keep it Cool Consulting. We were delighted to receive a record turnout.

The first QLD Networking Breakfast on Cold Chain Compliance was delivered by Adam Wade of Keep it Cool Consulting.

We were delighted to receive a record turnout, reflecting the strong appetite for practical guidance across our industry.

The session was exceptionally well-received, with robust discussion and valuable insights.

shared among members and guests. Click here for the link to view the event gallery.

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Groundstation Pty Ltd Groundstation Pty Ltd

RWTA is pleased to welcome Aushin Pty Ltd as a new member.

Located in Lidcombe, adjacent to Sydney Olympic Park, Aushin was established in 2004 as a privately owned business and has grown to become one of Australia’s leading importers of seafood and frozen food products.

Located in Lidcombe, adjacent to Sydney Olympic Park, Aushin was established in 2004 as a privately owned business and has grown to become one of Australia’s leading importers of seafood and frozen food products.

The company specialises in prawns, fish, crabs, cephalopods, seafood dim sim, surimi based products, as well as frozen fruit and vegetables. Their strong supply capabilities and established industry presence make them a valuable addition to the RWTA network.

We look forward to Aushin’s contribution to the Association and to supporting their continued growth within the sector.

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Marianne Kintzel Marianne Kintzel

Announcing the RWTA 2026 Frank Vale Tech Tour is to be held in…

Announcing the RWTA 2026 Frank Vale Tech Tour is to be held in…….

BRISBANE on the 3rd September!

We are delighted to announce that Sponsor of the RWTA Tech Tour in 2026 is Dematic, who provides supply chain automation solutions featuring advanced technologies and software for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution operations worldwide.

There will be multiple, cutting edge sites to visit in Brisbane, so, emerging leaders, put this date aside to date claim and assure your attendance!

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Welcoming our new member, Protran Solutions!

In this edition of our 2026 Chilled Out Series, Marianne Kintzel is joined by Grant Turner, General Manager of ProtranSolutions, RWTA’s newest member.

In this edition of our 2026 Chilled Out Series, Marianne Kintzel is joined by Grant Turner, General Manager of ProtranSolutions, RWTA’s newest member.

As an Australian specialist in refrigerated transport equipment, ProtranSolutions plays a critical role in keeping fleets compliant, efficient and on the road.

In this short conversation, Grant shares how their offerings are evolving to meet the sector’s growing demands - and where operators most often lose performance in their refrigeration systems.

It’s a practical discussion on uptime, prevention and protecting cold chain integrity.

Connect with Grant and ProtranSolutions

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We have a new Member - DotCom Logistics!

Introducing Nigel Edwards, Founder of Dot Com Logistics and our newest RWTA member!

In this chat with Marianne, Nigel shares insights from some of the most highly regulated cold chain environments and explains how Dot Com Logistics is delivering and governing cold chain solutions across complex supply chains.

Introducing Nigel Edwards, Founder of DotCom Logistics and our newest RWTA member!

With experience spanning pharmaceuticals, blood services, FMCG and e-commerce, Nigel brings a sharp perspective on where cold chain risk is most often underestimated, and what operators should be paying closer attention to, right now.

Nigel shares insights from some of the most highly regulated cold chain environments and explains how DotCom Logistics is delivering and governing cold chain solutions across complex supply chains.

You can connect with Nigel here:

Nigel Edwards
M: 0488 331 350
E: nigel@dotcomlogistics.com.au

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Marianne Kintzel Marianne Kintzel

Vale – Hugh McMaster

We advise of the passing of Hugh McMaster, Treasurer/Secretary of the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) NSW from 2008 to 2021, who passed away peacefully on 19 February 2026, surrounded by his family.

We advise of the passing of Hugh McMaster, Treasurer/Secretary of the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) NSW from 2008 to 2021, who passed away peacefully on 19 February 2026, surrounded by his family.

Hugh is survived by his wife Nadia, daughters Katherine and Jennifer, and grandchildren Zadia, Joanna and Melody.

Hugh made a significant contribution to the heavy transport industry over many years.

His work focused on improving safety standards across the sector, including fatigue management, Chain of Responsibility, fleet safety systems and load restraint practices.

He worked constructively with industry, regulators and government bodies to strengthen compliance frameworks and promote safer operating environments for transport operators and their personnel.

As Treasurer/Secretary of ARTIO NSW, Hugh played a central role in establishing and growing the organisation, guiding its formal registration under NSW industrial law and building a credible membership base representing employers and principal contractors. He also contributed to broader industry initiatives relating to industrial relations, superannuation and regulatory reform, and served as a Board Member of TWU Super from 2008 to 2021.

Hugh’s commitment to improving standards within the heavy transport sector leaves a lasting legacy.

We extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

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Did you know Blenners Transport also offers warehousing solutions?

In addition to our transport services, Blenners provides secure warehousing and storage options for both refrigerated and dry goods, supporting businesses with reliable supply chain solutions across Queensland.

In addition to our transport services, Blenners provides secure warehousing and storage options for both refrigerated and dry goods, supporting businesses with reliable supply chain solutions across Queensland.

With depots and warehousing facilities located in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Brisbane, we help keep freight moving efficiently - whether it’s chilled, frozen, or general freight.

If your business requires reliable cold storage solutions, our Brisbane warehouse offers secure freezer storage supported by an experienced logistics team and established transport networks.

We work with a range of industries and can support both short-term and ongoing storage requirements.

To request a quote, visit www.blenners.com.au/warehouse-storage-quote or contact our team on 07 4068 4444.

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TruckShowX – Driving The Future’ presents solutions that work, results that matter, and progress that lasts.

Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) are proudly presenting the second edition of TruckShowX, following the success of the first event in Melbourne in 2024.

Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) are proudly presenting the second edition of TruckShowX, following the success of the first event in Melbourne in 2024.

TruckShowX 2026 – Driving the Future will offer delegates the opportunity to learn from the industry’s prime movers how businesses are transforming through innovation and technology.

They’ll hear about the partnerships, projects, and real-world case studies focusing on decarbonisation, transport productivity, sustainability, efficiency and safety, held alongside drive-day opportunities, a trailer showcase, a technology and capability expo, and a lively social program.

All held in the centrally-located, postcard-perfect Hunter Valley in New South Wales.

Interested parties can also visit the website or e-mail info@truckshowx.com.au

TruckShowX 2026 key dates:

  • Sunday 17 May 2026: Truckline Golf Day / Pickleball Hit Out + Welcome Drinks

  • Monday 18 May 2026: Conference, Trade Expo, Startup Pitstop, Trailer Showcase, Driving + Social Function

  • Tuesday 19 May 2026: Conference, Trade Expo, Startup Pitstop, Trailer Showcase + Driving

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Marianne Kintzel Marianne Kintzel

$5 Billion Net Zero Fund: What It Means for Australia’s Cold Chain

The Government announced the design of the new Net Zero Fund within the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF). The government is now consulting industry on design of the fund to ensure its fit for purpose.

The Government announced the design of the new Net Zero Fund within the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF). The government is now consulting industry on design of the fund to ensure its fit for purpose.

The RWTA lodged a submission in 2025 with the NRF to help heavy industry cut emissions and scale up low-emissions technology manufacturing.

The $5 billion Net Zero Fund offers finance at a rate below typical commercial returns, enabling risk-taking that encourages adoption of decarbonisation technologies and attracts private investment.

It aims to lower energy costs, improve competitiveness and preserve jobs in key industrial sectors while supporting Australia’s transition to net zero emissions.

The Net Zero Fund is expected to be operational by mid-2026 and signals government commitment to capturing opportunities from the global energy transformation.

Read More Here;

Net Zero Fund's $5 billion of world-leading decarbonisation finance | Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources

 

Net Zero Fund proposed design Summary of consultation feedback

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Australia and New Zealand’s Cold Chain Running Out of Room: Building Capacity and Resilience with Automation

Australia and New Zealand’s (ANZ) cold chain sector is experiencing one of the sharpest demand surges in decades. Frozen categories continue to rise as consumers seek value, meal-kit and online grocery services are expanding deeper into regional markets, and pharmaceutical and export volumes show no sign of easing.

By: David Rubie, Dematic ANZ Sales Director, Integrated Systems and Mobile Automation

Australia and New Zealand’s (ANZ) cold chain sector is experiencing one of the sharpest demand surges in decades. Frozen categories continue to rise as consumers seek value, meal-kit and online grocery services are expanding deeper into regional markets, and pharmaceutical and export volumes show no sign of easing.

Global forecasts illustrate this upward trajectory. By 2030, the refrigerated warehousing market is projected to reach US$427 billion, growing at more than 18% annually, with Asia Pacific outpacing every other region, according to Grand View Research.

Despite the ANZ region playing a central role in this growth story, capacity across the region is already tight – and it’s getting tighter. The question confronting industry leaders now isn’t whether demand will keep climbing, it’s figuring out how and where the sector will find the capacity and resilience to handle it.

For ANZ, the challenge has shifted from simply meeting demand. It’s now about managing it within tightening infrastructure, labour, and cost constraints. Development timelines remain lengthy, skilled labour is increasingly hard to find, and regulatory and land-use complexities make expansion difficult. As a result, operators are being pushed to consider new ways to increase capacity and maintain reliability across the supply chain.

What’s driving demand?

Consumer behaviour across the region has been changing in recent years. Economic pressures have driven stronger preference for frozen and ready-to-eat categories, with frozen fruit and vegetables among the fastest-growing segments. This is contributing to more stock keeping units (SKUs), higher stock rotation, and increased storage requirements.

Online grocery markets are also maturing, with meal-kit and fast delivery services extending further into regional areas. These models depend heavily on reliable temperature-controlled capacity and predictable throughput.

Outside the food sector, demand is growing for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, biologics, chemicals, and specialised materials that support healthcare and industrial sectors. Exports, particularly premium seafood and meat, continue to expand and place additional pressure on cold chain infrastructure.

Combined, these pressures are outpacing the rate at which new capacity can be brought online.

A widening capacity gap

Industry analysis by CBRE indicates that unless development accelerates, Australia’s cold storage shortfall could reach 4.2 million cubic metres by 2030. This gap is already visible in day-to-day operations. Facilities are running at or near full capacity, vacancy rates are extremely low, and available space is being leased quickly, often before new builds are completed.

Several factors are slowing expansion, including high construction costs (high price materials, refrigeration and specialist trades), lengthy approvals (extending timelines and increasing project risk), and land constraints (particularly near ports and distribution hubs).

At the same time, the sector continues to contend with a range of cost pressures, particularly labour shortages, rising energy costs, and high facility rental prices.

These factors are reshaping investment priorities across the sector.

A shift toward focused and strategic automation

In response to these constraints, the conversation around automation has matured. It’s evolved beyond the idea of fully autonomous warehouses. Today, the focus is on how automation can help to solve real problems to build capacity, improve throughput, support labour shortages and enhance consistency, while reducing operational risk.

Across ANZ, a clear trend is emerging toward targeted automation that delivers immediate, measurable impact. Freezer-rated solutions have become more flexible and cost-accessible, making them viable for a broader range of operators, including producers and regional facilities that previously considered automation out of reach.

Automation is increasingly being used to open up higher storage density within existing facilities, maintain throughput despite labour shortages, stabilise operations and improve reliability, and reduce manual handling and improve safety

A key development has been the growth of multi-client cold storage facilities, where anchor businesses consolidate volumes and share automation infrastructure. Flexible zoning within these facilities also allows operators to reassign chilled, frozen, or ambient areas based on seasonal needs.

Digital warehouse management and control systems have also matured, supported by AI-enhanced decision-making that improves inventory accuracy and operational planning. Gartner research showed that 74% of global supply chain respondents said AI would be a key driver of change over the next three to five years.

Meanwhile, operators building new facilities are trending towards higher density, maximising vertical capacity and energy efficiency. Whereas many existing low-bay or older warehousing facilities are shifting to deeper-lane racking, higher-density configurations, or partial automation retrofits.

What automation investments are being made

Across ANZ, investment is rising among producers, food manufacturers, and third-party logistics providers. Dematic data shows that last year investment in cold chain automation and robotics sat at almost AUD$100 million in ANZ region.

Key areas of automation investment include automated pallet storage, AGV pallet movement, and automated case storage and case picking. The strongest momentum is in automated pallet storage, driven by higher frozen demand, changing dietary trends, and the need for consistent temperature control and traceability.

Over the past 25 years Dematic has witnessed automated pallet storage grow from a minority to the majority of new pallet storage installations in the region. While large 3PLs have historically led this trend, a growing share of investment now comes from producers and processors, metropolitan and regional, implementing scaled-down automated facilities or retrofitting existing warehouses.

These smaller, integrated solutions offer one of the most promising avenues for unlocking capacity without relying solely on new builds.

Brownfield automation is the next step for many

As land becomes harder to secure and construction costs continue to climb, automation suitable for older facilities is receiving more attention.

Solutions like the 4-way pallet shuttle are helping to bring automation into existing and older facilities. The system travels both across aisles and storage channels and between levels, enabling deep-lane storage and significantly increasing density without requiring new building construction. It also offers the flexibility to expand or reconfigure as operational capacity or throughput needs change.

This opens opportunities for operators to extract more value from assets they already own, provided the building meets key structural criteria. Some criteria include sufficient ceiling height, adequate floor load and flatness, available or expandable power, robust insulation and envelope integrity, and transport access that can support higher throughput. These factors help determine whether a retrofit, partial automation, or new build will deliver the strongest return.

Dematic has seen strong uptake of retrofitted automation in Australian cold chain environments, particularly among operators aiming to increase resilience without undertaking full-scale redevelopment.

Where the industry is heading

ANZ’s cold chain is facing ongoing demand growth at a time when infrastructure expansion is becoming more challenging. Capacity constraints, rising energy and other costs, and labour shortages are shaping day-to-day operating decisions across the sector.

Automation is a practical, flexible, and scalable solution to address these pressures. Whether through new builds, targeted retrofits, or shared multi-client facilities, automation is helping operators find capacity, strengthen reliability, and improve operational resilience.

As operators look to optimise new and existing assets and prepare for future demand, a measured and strategic approach to automation will play an increasingly central role in building a resilient cold chain across Australia and New Zealand.

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Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative Grant Now Open

The NHVR is pleased to announce that the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) grant funding round is now officially open for applications.

Developed by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and supported by the Australian Government, the HVSI program empowers industry-led solutions that improve safety, strengthen supply chains, and accelerate innovation across Australia’s heavy vehicle sector.

This year’s funding round places a strong emphasis on harnessing emerging technologies and forward‑thinking approaches. We’re encouraging projects that explore new digital tools, data-driven insights, automation, advanced safety systems, and other innovations that can transform the way the industry operates.

By working collaboratively with industry, government, and the community, we aim to unlock new opportunities for safer, smarter, and more sustainable heavy vehicle operations.

Funding is available for projects that aim to:

  • Enhance safety outcomes for heavy vehicle operators and road users

  • Harness new technologies and innovation

  • Build capability and knowledge across the sector

  • Deliver long-term benefits for the freight and logistics network

We’re calling on organisations across Australia – from industry associations and local councils to innovators, researchers, and technology-focused businesses – to bring forward bold, future‑ready ideas that will make a real difference.

Together, we can create safer roads, smarter practices, and a stronger, more innovative future for Australia’s heavy vehicle industry.

Key Dates:

  • Applications open: 27 January 2026

  • Applications close: 16 March, 5pm

  • Assessment period: March – June 2026

  • Funding announcements by the Australian Government: From July/August 2026.

Attachments Included:

For queries about the program or application process, please contact grants@nhvr.gov.au to discuss.

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CityPort Coldstores is officially complete and ready for occupation

A major milestone has been reached for Queensland’s cold chain infrastructure, with construction now complete at CityPort Coldstores, delivered by Modus Property Group.

CityPort Coldstores represents the largest speculative cold storage development ever offered in Queensland, responding to growing demand for modern, scalable temperature-controlled facilities across food, pharmaceutical, and logistics supply chains.

A major milestone has been reached for Queensland’s cold chain infrastructure, with construction now complete at CityPort Coldstores, delivered by Modus Property Group.

CityPort Coldstores represents the largest speculative cold storage development ever offered in Queensland, responding to growing demand for modern, scalable temperature-controlled facilities across food, pharmaceutical, and logistics supply chains.

The facility is available for immediate occupation, with flexibility to accommodate either a single large occupier or three subdivided tenancies starting from approximately 6,200 sqm.

Built for efficiency, scale, and margin performance

CityPort Coldstores has been designed with operational efficiency front of mind, offering a combination of freezer and chiller environments to support diverse cold chain requirements.

Key features include:

Best price per pallet in Southeast Queensland, supporting margin optimisation

Scalable storage suitable for seasonal peaks or long-term demand

Internal heights of approximately 11.5 metres, enabling high-density storage of up to seven pallets

Advanced temperature-controlled environments with a 50/50 freezer and chiller split

Six-metre-wide awnings for all-weather loading and unloading

29 dock levellers across three tenancies, supported by 15-metre-deep ante rooms

These design elements provide operators with the flexibility to scale, adapt, and optimise throughput without compromising compliance or efficiency.

Strategic TradeCoast location

Situated in the established industrial and logistics suburb of Morningside, CityPort Coldstores benefits from a prime TradeCoast location positioned between Brisbane’s CBD and the port.

The facility offers efficient access to key freight and logistics corridors, including:

Direct connectivity to the Port of Brisbane

Close proximity to Brisbane’s International and Domestic Airports

Access via major arterial routes including Lytton Road, the Gateway Motorway, and the Port of Brisbane Motorway

Importantly for operators, the site is accessed via a B-Double approved heavy vehicle route, allowing direct access for larger prime movers and interstate refrigerated logistics operations.

For more details, reach out to David Gibson, Partner 0431 119 602 david@moduspg.au or Henry Devine, Manager, 0408 745 466 henry@moduspg.au.

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Marianne Kintzel Marianne Kintzel

Stonepeak launches Peregrine Cold Logistics: What it means for the future of the Asia–Pacific cold chain

A major development has emerged in the global cold chain landscape, with Stonepeak announcing the launch of Peregrine Cold Logistics, a new specialist platform set to expand temperature-controlled infrastructure across Asia Pacific and the Global Cold Chain.

A major development has emerged in the global cold chain landscape, with Stonepeak announcing the launch of Peregrine Cold Logistics, a new specialist platform set to expand temperature-controlled infrastructure across Asia Pacific and the Global Cold Chain.

Headquartered in Singapore, Peregrine plans to acquire, upgrade and develop cold storage and logistics assets across ASEAN, North Asia, and the Gulf region. Their first acquisition, Pinnacle Cold Storage in the Philippines, signals a strong growth pathway into markets where demand for high-quality food infrastructure continues to rise.

With a leadership team boasting more than 30 years of experience, Peregrine aims to lift operational standards, sustainability performance, and modern facility development. Their focus aligns with global trends RWTA members are actively navigating regarding food safety, digitalisation, energy efficiency, and capacity expansion.

It is notable that Jeff Hogarth, an RWTA Life Member and presently a Board member of the RWTA, is the CEO of Peregrine.

He commented that “Peregrine was founded with a clear mission: to redefine cold chain logistics across Asia Pacific and the GCC by delivering first-rate infrastructure, fostering strong local partnerships, and enabling the safe, efficient, and sustainable movement of food and essential goods.

We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Stonepeak, a leading global infrastructure investor with deep cold chain expertise, a broad regional footprint, and proven platform-building experience.

As rising standards for food safety and quality continue to drive demand for modern, purpose-built facilities managed by experienced operators, Peregrine is exceptionally well positioned to become a regional leader – not only in scale, but in innovation, reliability, and sustainability.

Why this matters for RWTA members

  • Strengthens Australia’s strategic position within the broader Indo-Pacific cold chain

  • Provides insight into capital flows shaping the next generation of cold-chain assets

  • Highlights regional trends influencing investment, technology, and sustainability

  • Reinforces global collaboration and benchmarking opportunities for members

  • Demonstrates rising international demand for modern, purpose-built, compliant facilities

As global players expand in the region, opportunities for partnership, knowledge exchange and cross-market innovation will continue to grow supporting the resilience and competitiveness of Australia’s cold chain sector.

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Extraordinary efficiency for new Melbourne cold storage facility 

Building a giant cold store in Melbourne is a challenge, especially with potentially huge variations in ambient temperatures experienced during the Melbourne cool winters and hot summers, sometimes exceeding 40°C.

Building a giant cold store in Melbourne is a challenge, especially with potentially huge variations in ambient temperatures experienced during the Melbourne cool winters and hot summers, sometimes exceeding 40°C.

Under these conditions, it is essential for compressor systems, that can be responsible for up to 80% of the total plant power consumption, to be flexible and efficient. 

Fortunately, the GEA Grasso V1800 reciprocating compressors are designed for just such a job.

The new Premier Melbourne Cold Storage facility, just 10 km from the city centre, provides 22,141 m2 of cold storage space including both frozen (-25°C) and chilled (+2°C) areas and a huge, 200m-long staging area for temporary storage under optimal conditions. Together they offer 230,000m3 of cold storage capacity. The GEA Grasso V1800, 10-cylinder reciprocating compressors at the heart of the plant, have excellent part-load performance and a wide Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) range for outstanding energy efficiency with minimal oil carry over ensuring evaporator performance is and remains at a premium.

Using ammonia (NH3) in a centralized, low charge refrigerating plant delivers PFAS-free, zero ODP, and zero GWP refrigeration performance with a predicted Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) of only 8-9 kWh·m-3·year-1, compared to typical averages of 20-40 kWh·m⁻³·year⁻¹- resulting in annual energy costs that are more than 50% lower than conventional cold stores.

Capital and operational costs have been reduced thanks to optimized infrastructure and extended service intervals, based on real-time compressor monitoring.

These improvements contribute to a lower total cost of ownership, while maintaining high levels of efficiency and reliability.

Once again, the Scantec Refrigeration Technologies team, together with GEA, has combined its expertise with leading engineering to deliver outstanding results.

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How AGVs Are Reshaping Australia’s Refrigerated Warehouses

Tony Raggio, Dematic ANZ's Sales Manager AGVs talks about the new range, the benefits realised by Cold Storage facilities with AGVs, including reduced reliance on labour, increase operational visibility and control, improved safety and reduced product damage. 

Dematic has implemented a number of Automated Guided systems (AGVs) in Cold Storage facilities in ANZ, and has just released a new range of models specifically aimed at brownfield sites.

Tony Raggio, Dematic ANZ's Sales Manager AGVs talks about the new range, the benefits realised by Cold Storage facilities with AGVs, including reduced reliance on labour, increase operational visibility and control, improved safety and reduced product damage. A critical question for those considering implementing AGVs, Tony also talks about integrating Dematic's AGV Manage+ warehouse control system into customers' WMS and ERP systems.


Get in touch with Tony to know more:

Tony Raggio

General Manager Sales – Mobile Automation ANZ

Dematic

E: tony.raggio@dematic.com

M: 0403 222 697

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