Sunshine Barley Terminal

Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/frQqnQrayJZEe32c9

Construction & Operation:
Built between 1965 and 1977 by the Grain Elevators Board (later GrainCorp), the Sunshine Barley Terminal comprised 20 concrete silos, 10 steel silos, and a large Ascom shed (totaling a storage capacity of 64,000 tonnes). Directly alongside the Sunshine–Newport railway line, the terminal served as a key city receiving hub for metropolitan barley.

Role in Grain Logistics:
For nearly five decades, the silos were central to Melbourne’s western grain-handling infrastructure, funneling barley from regional farmers into urban markets and export networks via rail transport. The railway sidings connecting the silos to Sunshine station were operational until 2014, supporting direct freight movements.

Heritage Recognition & Protection:
In response to demolition proposals and community interest, Brimbank City Council sought to apply an Interim Heritage Overlay in January 2021, citing the silos’ importance in local industrial history. This evolved into Amendment C227brim, officially adopted on 5 September 2024, introducing Heritage Overlay HO152 to protect the site’s integrity.

Present & Future:
Although rail operations ceased in 2014 and the silos were placed for sale, the community continued to advocate for their conservation. Brimbank Council and local heritage groups are now working on adaptive reuse and urban renewal plans that respect both the site's history and the needs of the evolving Sunshine precinct.