Inquiry into National Freight and Supply Chain Priorities released
28 May 2018
Federal Government: The
Australian Government has today released the Inquiry into National
Freight and Supply Chain Priorities Report and commenced discussions
with State Governments on priority actions.
54 priority actions have been identified by the independent Expert
Panel, which undertook the inquiry in consultation with industry.
The actions will inform the development of a National Freight and
Supply
Chain Strategy through the Council of Australian Governments Transport
and Infrastructure Council to ensure our freight transport system meet
the needs of a growing Australia.
Deputy Prime Minister and Michael McCormack said the report paves the
way for the development of a strategy which improves the competitiveness
of Australian businesses and delivers for consumers by making it faster,
easier, and less expensive to move goods.
“We know the national
freight task will almost double over the next 20
years, which presents a challenge and opportunity to work with industry
to maximise the benefit from the sector which already contributes around
10 per cent of our productivity,” Mr McCormack said.
“I thank the Panel for its report, which provides a platform for
Government to look at opportunities to drive efficient and sustainable
freight logistics while balancing the freight needs of a growing economy
and ensuring the sector and the community share the benefits too.”
Mr McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals' 2018–19 Budget included
major steps to ensure freight productivity, including the establishment
of a dedicated National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy Unit.
“The Budget delivered a real focus on freight, including our new $3.5
billion Roads of Strategic Importance initiative and a targeted $1
billion Urban Congestion Fund which will address pinch points and
last-mile access to
ports,
airports and freight hubs,” Mr McCormack
said.
“There were also commitments of $400 million for the
Port Botany Rail
Line Duplication and $971 million for the
Coffs Harbour Bypass, which
are strategic investments to improve the productivity, efficiency and
safety of the freight industry.
“These commitments—along with our existing investments such as the
Melbourne to
Brisbane
Inland
Rail, Bruce and
Pacific Highway upgrades and the
Toowoomba Second
Range Crossing—will ensure our freight system serves the nation for
decades to come.
“From farmers to small businesses and consumers, everyone has an
interest in the ongoing success of our freight and logistics industry.
It is fundamental to our national prosperity.
“Freight systems and infrastructure have to work together across State
and Territory borders so goods can be delivered efficiently to urban and
regional areas across Australia, and the Liberal and Nationals
Government is committing resources to make sure this happens.
“I am looking forward to partnering with all levels of Government,
industry, and the broader community on delivering the Strategy to ensure
we meet the freight needs of the future.”
The Independent Expert Panel developed the report with significant
industry input, including drawing on 127 submissions and one-on-one
meetings with more than 200 individuals from 28 peak industry bodies and
90 businesses. It concluded strong support exists within industry for an
overarching national strategy.
For a copy of the Report, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/transport/freight/index.aspx
--ENDS--
Source: Australian Government - www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au
Contact: N/A
External Links: www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport/freight/index.aspx
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