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Canberra seeks industry input on freight data hub

Feedback to drive functionality aspects to best meet industry needs

 

After the National Freight Data Hub concept came to life in April through a federal funding announcement, industry input is now being sought into its design and functionality.

The first discussion paper was released on how the hub would operate, which “marks a significant step towards a more competitive, efficient and productive freight future for Australia”, transport minister Michael McCormack notes.

The discussion paper marks key tenets of the freight hub as including:

  • Support operational decisions
  • Improve investment decisions
  • Performance measurement and benchmarking.

McCormack says access to better data means a more productive and resilient freight sector.

“This is why over the next 18 months the Liberal and Nationals Government will design a hub in collaboration with industry, governments and other key stakeholders.

“Industry told us it wanted the hub and the Liberals and Nationals have backed them with our $5.2 million commitment.

“I encourage all those with an interest to invest the effort to engage closely with my Department and participate in the submission process and follow up workshops, to ensure the design meets the needs of the freight industry.

“A well-designed hub will improve access to and sharing of valuable freight location and performance data.”


More on the freight hub’s funding announcement, here


Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz says the hub would facilitate Australia’s growing freight challenges and improve international competitiveness.

“Enhanced access to freight data helps industry, governments and others streamline day-to-day freight operations, make better investment decisions and evaluate the performance of Australia’s freight system.

“We are pleased to be delivering on a key Liberal and Nationals government commitment under the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.”

The Hub commitment also builds on the Freight Data Requirements Study (released in April 2019) from the iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre.

The paper notes “iMOVE reported demand for freight movement data and performance indicators, particularly around cost and time.

“Specific areas of interest identified include urban freight, first and last mile, regional issues, gateways, nationally significant corridors and some specific commodities.

“A key consideration at this stage is which datasets users would like to see prioritised for inclusion in the Hub.

“This could include improving accessibility to existing datasets, such as those held by BITRE, or inclusion of new data.”

The discussion paper is available here. Submissions close on December 6.

 

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