Document outlines vision for the transport and wider industry sectors
The Northern Territory government has unveiled the Territory-wide Logistics Master Plan 2020, examining key areas of supply chain investment and opportunity.
The master plan outlines the territory’s vision for the transport and logistics sector that it describes as a “safe, reliable and efficient freight and logistics network, which underpins and drives the Northern Territory’s future economic and social development”.
The NT government notes the master plan was developed in conjunction with the Economic Development Framework, the Infrastructure Strategy and 10-Year Infrastructure Plan, and identifies 53 key actions relating to four priority areas for the NT:
- targeted infrastructure investment
- integrated logistics and land use planning
- supply chain positioning
- regulation and safety improvements.
“The purpose of the master plan is to facilitate increasing freight and logistics connections and capacity that capture both international and domestic trade for the Northern Territory, while ensuring the Territory is best placed to capitalise on these opportunities,” the government notes in a statement.
“It ensures the Territory can deliver reliable freight networks through long-term infrastructure planning and investment, and to provide an evidence based policy and regulatory framework.”
The master plan complements the Australian Government’s National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, which was developed in partnership with all Australian jurisdictions.
A lawyer makes sense of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy
Key to this was the territory government’s advocacy for the inclusion of four nationally significant projects in the National Action Plan, including:
- development of a Darwin Ship Lift Facility
- Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub
- NT Airports Expansion Program for the Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs airports
- Remote Telecommunications Co-investment Program.
These projects are in addition to the various national roads programs underway in the Territory, such as the Roads of Strategic Importance, Northern Australia and Beef and Mango Roads, the report notes.
“The Territory has capacity within its logistics networks, which are not currently constrained by congestion and the first and last mile issues encountered in other states.
“It has interstate highway connections, a growing port, air and rail linkages to markets. However, with 75 per cent of all roads unsealed, there remains much to be done to maximise freight and logistics networks.”
It notes significant investments in logistics infrastructure that have been committed to include sealing the Central Arnhem Road all the way to Nhulunbuy, sealing the Tanami Road, the Darwin Ship Lift and Marine Industry Park and also Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub.
Additionally, “The Australian Government and Northern Territory Government are investing in road infrastructure through the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure Projects.
“This includes joint funding of $37.5 million in upgrades to improve the cattle supply chain on the Barkly Stock route and Tablelands Highway through the Northern Australia Beef Roads Program, and $240 million in upgrades to high priority roads in the Territory through the Northern Australia Roads Program.
“The Australian Government and the Northern Territory Government will jointly invest in key road corridors through the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative.
“This includes $615 million for the Stuart Highway, Victoria Highway, Barkly Highway, Port Keats Road and Tanami Road to ensure our key freight roads efficiently connect agricultural and mining regions to rail, port, airports and other intermodal hubs.
“Ten year funding for upgrades of the Central Arnhem Road ($225 million) and Buntine Highway ($125 million) and further funding for the Outback Way will improve freight connectivity and enhance economic development opportunities.
“Tiwi Islands will benefit from a further $75 million in road upgrades to improve freight movements for the forestry industry and enhance connectivity between communities.”
Development of the Master Plan included in-depth consultation with targeted industry stakeholders, including representatives from various transport and logistics operators, peak industry bodies and local government councils.
“The consultation identified recurring themes including the need for ongoing corridor protection, infrastructure investment, and an evidence base for policy and regulatory framework development.”
The full report can be found here.