JUNEE and Wagga are set to benefit from a new inter-modal freight terminal, which began operating at the Harefield grain silos on Bomen-Junee Road on Wednesday.
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The Harefield Grain Complex was purchased by Qube Logistics this year and this week began shipping containers.
Qube's national business manager Dan Coulton said the first fully loaded train would leave the Harefield depot on Wednesday and aimed to be loading three Melbroune-bound trains a week with 68 containers each.
The new depot means businesses have an alternative to road freight and the Bomen inter-modal depot, which is working at capacity.
It is planned that up to 160 12-metre (40 foot) containers will be located at Harefield at any one time.
Mr Coulton said larger trains capable of hauling 104 containers were planned for the site, but a development application would need to be approved by Junee Shire Council first.
"This facility will not be exclusive to one or two operators," Mr Coulton said.
He ruled out shipping dangerous goods and said only commodities such as grain would be loaded onto trains.
Several Harefield residents have expressed concern about the new development, including increased traffic on Harefield Road.
"We've been meeting with residents and looking at ways we can address their concerns, we're mindful of the positives we're bringing to the region and also mindful of the concerns about the Harefield Road," he said.
To address concerns held by farmers and residents, Mr Coulton said all trucks had been limited to 60 km/h.
Mr Coulton said tenders would soon be called for improvements to the site, including work to the rail siding and certifying the grain silos for use.
When fully operational, up to 20 people are expected to be employed including truck drivers, train drivers and support staff.
