- Prime industrial vacancy remains tight in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
- Automation is moving from the largest 3PLs into mid-tier operators.
- Port of Botany and Port of Melbourne continue to record container growth.
- E-commerce volume has normalised after the post-COVID surge.
Industrial property
Prime industrial vacancy in Sydney's outer west and Melbourne's west remains below 2% — among the tightest in the world. Rent growth has slowed from 2022/23 peaks but remains positive.
Automation
Goods-to-person systems (AutoStore, Exotec, Geek+), conveyor-fed put walls and AMRs are now economically viable for sites with 20,000+ SKUs and high pick volume. Mid-tier 3PLs are investing in modular automation rather than full lights-out facilities.
Port performance
Sydney's Port Botany and the Port of Melbourne continue to handle the majority of national container throughput. Truck turnaround times have improved with VBS reforms but remain a sore point for carriers in peak windows.
E-commerce
After the 2020–2022 surge, online retail penetration has stabilised at around 14–16% of total Australian retail. Parcel volumes are growing again, but at single-digit rates, which is changing how 3PLs plan flex labour and seasonal capacity.