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On 26 May 2017 the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development (DIRD) released the Discussion Paper for the Inquiry into National Freight and Supply Chain Priorities marking the commencement of the public consultation period.
DIRD has been in consultation with the CBFCA seeking our members feedback as to the short, medium and long term priorities in the context of a growing Australia and the need for a freight system that boosts the nation’s prosperity and meets community expectations for safety, security and environmental amenity into the foreseeable future.
This growth is being driven by Australia’s growing population and from increasing demand for Australian resources and produce, especially in Asian markets. Australia is one of the fastest growing countries in the world, with our population projected to grow from 24 million at present to 30 million by 2030, the majority in urban areas.
The CBFCA arranged a meetings with DIRD representatives in Brisbane followed by a small focus group of members, industry experts in Melbourne to provide feedback and address the practicalities of supply chain issues as they relate to international trade and logistics.
Some of the issues raised by CBFCA and its members that participated in the meetings include:
- Increase utilisation of current national freight network
- National consistent regulation in all modes of transport, reduce red tape and business compliance costs
- Utilisation of Coastal Shipping
- Integration of freight with state, territory and local government planning and transport system with better visibility and performance reporting
- Increase rail utilisation and development of intermodal hubs
- Develop national road, rail, sea, air infrastructure network that allows seamless transitioning freight between modes (a true multimodal network)
- Improve the Ports and landside logistics connectivity
- Government funding for training the next generation of supply chain and logistics practitioners as current workforce is ageing
It is not too late to have a say !
The Inquiry team is interested in hearing from people from across the freight network, and critically, freight consumers and suppliers to find out what they require now and into the future from our national freight supply chains.
Formal submissions may be made by email at [email protected]
Submissions close 28 July 2017.
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