ALC releases NFSCS-focused communique following annual forum
The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has identified a dozen key priorities for the wider transport and logistics industry to push forward on through the year.
The items are the result of discussions during last week’s annual forum, which focused on expectations for and practicalities around the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy (NFSCS).
The ALC states that the “the core challenge for industry now is to move beyond examining ‘what’ the Strategy needs to contain, and consider the more complex issue of ‘how’ to ensure it delivers the right outcomes for our industry and economy.
Opportunities for the nation to ensure the ultimate effectiveness of the NFSCS were identified as:
- developing a clear set of industry benchmarks and/or key performance indicators (KPIs) that will allow industry, governments and regulators to better identify which aspects of the supply chain are performing well, determine those which are experiencing difficulties, and permit the development of effective policy responses
- continuing to encourage governments at all levels to ensure planning systems properly account for freight movement, particularly in CBD and inner-urban areas
- pursuing the adoption of a holistic and consistent National Corridor Protection Strategy that will protect critical freight infrastructure and employment lands from the impact of urban encroachment, particularly around ports and airports
- encouraging the collection of more and better data about freight movement, to help guide investment decisions about freight infrastructure and more effectively measure the performance of our freight networks
- removing legislative and regulatory barriers that needlessly prevent opportunities for data-sharing that can enhance the efficiency, safety and visibility of our supply chains, whilst still protecting commercial and user privacy
- providing certainty for investors by encouraging governments across all jurisdictions to develop a transparent, independent and long-term approach to prioritising infrastructure investment that lasts well beyond election cycles;
- building community awareness of the importance of efficient supply chains for businesses, households and consumer prices, and communicating honestly about the challenges associated with a growing population. This will help protect the social licence freight networks require to operate effectively
- promoting far greater use of technology to improve safety and efficiency across all modes of freight transport
- investing in rail infrastructure that will help Australia meet a rapidly-growing freight task, including Inland Rail, short-haul rail from ports to intermodal facilities and encouraging the separation of freight and passenger rail
- ensuring regulatory frameworks are being prepared now to account for technological evolution, including the introduction of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) and more widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the industry
- working to enhance the diversity of the industry by improving workplace culture, promoting the benefits of a career in freight logistics, identifying the sector’s future leaders, and ensuring skills training programs are preparing and equipping the current and future industry workforce with the skills needed in a 21st century economy
- recognising that the NFSCS can only succeed with active cooperation from industry and all tiers of government, which will require continuing industry consultation and involvement in its ongoing development.