STRATEGIC MOVES

In August 2019, the Australian Transport and Infrastructure Council released Australia’s first National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, with goals and targets out to 2024.

While we may be right to be a little sceptical about ‘grand infrastructure plans’ (as reflected in the comedy TV program ‘Utopia’), projects such as Inland Rail and the Western Sydney Airport are on track to realisation.

So, what is the Freight Strategy, why does it matter and will it work? Let’s take a close look at the four critical action areas identified by the Freight Strategy and examine how the supporting National Action Plan intends to deliver on each of those areas.

To begin, here is an overview of the Freight Strategy and discussion of the first critical action area: smarter and targeted infrastructure investment.

FREIGHT STRATEGY

Freight is a massive contributor to the Australian economy.

As an island nation, heavily reliant on imports as well as exports, our supply chains are complex.

In a federated system such as Australia, the regulation and management of freight and logistics is challenging as policy, powers and controls are spread around Commonwealth, state and local governments.

This is exacerbated by the extreme geographical and demographic diversity around Australia’s states and territories. Without some coordination, it is virtually impossible to effectively manage and optimise freight and supply chain activities, particularly where the various actors (whether they be governments, commercial operators or even transport modes) often have competing needs and priorities.

For the first time ever, all levels of government have consulted with industry to set goals (including improved international competitiveness, and innovative solutions to meeting freight demands) as well as strategies to achieve those