To keep up with expected e-commerce volumes, Australia Post has announced it is investing A$50m (US$33m) in a cutting-edge parcel facility at the Brisbane Airport Industrial Park.
The facility, which will open in early 2026, will be the second largest sorting facility in the state and will be able to process 176,000 parcels per day.
E-commerce growth
Commenting at the unveiling of the new site on March 14, Australia Post Group CEO and managing director Paul Graham said, “Queensland continues to experience year-on-year e-commerce growth, with 82% of Queenslanders making an online purchase in the past year. This new parcel facility will help us respond to that demand and deliver parcels to customers’ doors sooner.
“The Brisbane North Parcel Facility will not only increase our operational footprint but will also complement our modernization and regional capacity network program, with 39 network operations sites upgraded in the past 12 months.”
According to Graham, the new facility will improve staff safety by reducing touchpoints and manual handling thanks to the installation of both a large and small parcel sorter, each equipped with integrated x-ray screening.
“Our delivery team will also benefit from being closer to delivery catchments, reducing their on-road time and ultimately improving services for our customers throughout Southeast Queensland,” Graham added.
Future demand
Australia Post delivered over half a billion parcels across the country in 2022-2023, and the new facility will ensure it can keep up with future demand.
Minister for Communications, the Hon. Michelle Rowland MP, commented, “The government is supporting Australia Post to modernize in response to changing consumer demands, and this investment will help ensure the business is well positioned to meet the challenges and demands of the future.”
Streamlined delivery
The 33,600m2 Brisbane North Parcel facility will be 5-Star Green Star accredited and will be the largest industrial project ever constructed at Brisbane Airport.
“By providing Australia Post with direct airside access, we’re streamlining the delivery of time-sensitive parcels, benefitting millions of Queenslanders in the Southeast and regional areas of the state,” explained Brisbane Airport chief executive officer Gert-Jan de Graaff. “Not only do we offer direct tarmac access, but Brisbane’s arterial road network is right on our doorstep. We’re proud to develop projects that enable Queensland to grow and connect to the world.”
Australia Post will also work alongside the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Forestry at the Brisbane North Parcel facility as an International Gateway Operation.