Rail project leader reappointed to two boards

  • Posted by Allen Newton
  • |
  • 4 June, 2026

ERIN FLAHERTY who has overseen some of Australia’s most significant rail projects has been reappointed as a non–executive director (NED) and board chair for the National Intermodal Corporation, as well as NED for Inland Rail (IRPL).

Ms Flaherty, who has more than 40 years’ experience in private and government sectors across law, rail and large infrastructure projects has successfully led the board in the development of the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct and the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct.

She was appointed as National Intermodal board chair in February 2020.

Ms Flaherty has served as an IRPL NED since the establishment of the IRPL Board in 2023, with her appointment to the IRPL Board facilitating strong connections between the Inland Rail project and terminal development.

A federal government media release said she has been reappointed as NED and board chair for National Intermodal and NED for IRPL for two-year terms to “provide stability and continuity of leadership to the board during this critical stage of project delivery for both entities and to ensure strong connection between the boards is maintained”.

Ms Flaherty’s qualifications include a Master of Laws from the University of Sydney, and she currently serves as a NED for NSW Police & Citizens Youth Clubs, and The Infrastructure Fund.

Since her appointment as chair of the National Intermodal Board her focus has been on shifting freight from road to rail, improving supply‑chain resilience, and building the terminal capacity required to support long‑term population and trade growth.

Ms Flaherty’s governance approach has emphasised commercial discipline, open‑access rail operations, and the integration of intermodal terminals into broader logistics ecosystems, the media release said.

One of the most substantial achievements under her tenure has been the advancement of the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct in Sydney. The precinct has evolved into one of the country’s largest and most sophisticated logistics hubs, with major milestones including the opening of the Moorebank Interstate Terminal in April 2024.

This terminal is Australia’s first open‑access metropolitan interstate facility and is designed to handle double‑stacked freight trains, enabling more efficient long‑haul rail operations.

In Victoria, Ms Flaherty has guided the development of the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, a project intended to become Melbourne’s next major freight hub and the southern anchor of the Inland Rail network.

During her tenure, National Intermodal has completed key planning stages, including the submission of Stage 1A proposals covering rail connections, sidings, and an interim terminal. The precinct has also progressed through environmental and planning assessments, ensuring it is ready for staged construction as demand grows.

 

Rail project leader reappointed to two boards
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Posted by Allen Newton

Allen is DCN's WA correspondent. He is one of WA's most experienced journalists with a career that includes roles as Managing Editor of The Sunday Times and PerthNow and as Editor in Chief of Fairfax's WAtoday.

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