ATA and ALC throw weight behind attack on bureaucratic impediments to infrastructure reform
By Rob McKay | June 26, 2013
Infrastructure Regulator Michael Deegan’s attack on bureaucratic impediments to reform has gained the support of two major transport and logistics representative groups.
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) characterises Deegan’s speech a courageous, while the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) sees it as an accurate portrayal of what is ailing the transport infrastructure reform process.
“Michael Deegan’s brave speech confirms the ATA’s view that the existing road planning and funding system is broken,” Bill McKinley, the ATA’s National Manager of Government Relations and Communications, says.
“Too many decisions at all levels of government are based on short term considerations, like the amount of money in this year’s budget or the need to get something built before the next election.
“In the run up to the September election, the ATA is calling on both sides of politics to announce they would, if elected, base road funding decisions on meeting target standards for each tier of the road network.
“They should set those standards so the trucking industry can use high productivity vehicles like B-triples and super B-doubles on key freight routes and last mile connection as they are upgraded.”
ALC Managing Director Michael Kilgariff believes that greater political will needs to be brought to bear on the reform process to overcome the obstacles Deegan highlights
“Michael Deegan made a number of timely and accurate observations in his speech yesterday to CEDA.
“ALC agrees with his assessment that progress has been too slow across many areas to improve supply chain efficiency, and freight productivity is suffering as a result.
“The time for delivery on these reforms is now.
“The National Land Freight Strategy and National Ports Strategy provide a solid foundation – the onus is now on governments to do the work necessary to follow through on these important first steps.
“For example, jurisdictions need to map the freight routes in the manner anticipated by the National land Freight Strategy to advance the cause of corridor preservation.
“They must also ensure all necessary landside access routes of strategic importance to the efficient functioning of the system of relevant ports are identified and are designated as national port freight corridors.
“Greater political leadership is required from all levels of government to see these reforms come to fruition, and if necessary, to overcome any roadblocks that may stand in the way in the way of these reforms.”
Kilgariff says the ALC also agrees with Deegan’s assessment that there needs to be a renewed focus by government on identifying assets that can be recycled, with the funds raised used for infrastructure investment.
“The ‘recycling’ of infrastructure assets is a necessary step to unlock greater levels of private sector investment in infrastructure,” he adds.
“There are many assets that could be transferred to the private sector as Mr Deegan has indicated.
“On this note, ALC hopes the New South Wales Legislative Council does not delay the passage of the legislation facilitating the lease of Port of Newcastle.
“The proceeds from this asset could fund new infrastructure which is critical to boosting productivity.”
