Kilgariff says the plan reflects state transport strategy's support for freight movement
The New South Wales government is inviting feedback on the Draft Freight and Ports Plan.
The draft plan is part of the government’s Future Transport 2056 Strategy.
Welcoming the release of the draft plan, the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) says it is an “encouraging sign that freight efficiency is being embraced in the state’s long-term infrastructure plans”.
ALC MD Michael Kilgariff says the plan demonstrates the government is planning to address a number of key priorities for the freight logistics industry.
“Many of the priorities outlined in this draft plan will complement those that have been included in other significant NSW government transport plans released over the past two months,” Kilgariff says.
“In particular, the suggestion contained in the draft Greater Sydney Services and Infrastructure Plan that a Last Mile Freight Policy be developed and implemented is one that will have the whole-hearted backing of ALC.
“Throughout 2017, ALC has been working closely with the freight logistics industry and other interested parties to help inform the Federal Government’s development of a National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.
“Throughout that process, the challenge of delivering freight in increasingly congested CBD areas has been a constant refrain, particularly in relation to the Sydney CBD.
“Similarly, it is pleasing to see the draft plan also supports increasing road and rail capacity around Port Botany, including duplication of the freight rail line at the port.
“This is a vital national economic imperative, and its positive impacts would be felt beyond the borders of NSW.”
ALC has also welcomed the acknowledgement of the need to develop effective “rail linkages from the Inland Rail to existing ports in NSW and additional investment to separate freight and passenger rail to alleviate congestion on the Sydney rail network”.
“The draft plan also explicitly acknowledges the need to protect key freight corridors, and the role technology will play in enhancing the efficiency and safety of supply chains in NSW,” Kilgariff says.
“With the freight task in Greater Sydney expected to double over the next 40 years, and increase by 25 per cent in regional NSW over the same period, the final Freight and Ports Plan that will emerge as a result of this consultation process is critical to NSW’s economic future.”