The Business Council of Australia (BCA) appreciates the opportunity to provide its submission for the Review of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy. As a representative body of Australia’s largest employers, encompassing entities engaged in freight services, support services, and infrastructure provision, the BCA acknowledges the significance of a coordinated national approach in supporting the freight industry.
The submission highlights the challenges faced by the freight sector in recent years, including natural disasters, the pandemic, and changing climate conditions. These challenges underscore the need for a resilient and adaptable freight network. The BCA emphasizes that coordinated efforts by federal, state, and local governments are vital in addressing these issues.
Desired Outcomes and Key Recommendations
Transformation from High-Level Document to Strategic Plan: The BCA urges that the 2023 Strategy should evolve from a high-level document to a strategic plan with concrete actions. The federal government should work in collaboration with state and territory governments to execute these actions effectively.
Prioritization of Rail Freight: The federal government must prioritize investment in freight rail, focusing on enhancing network resilience, reliability, and expansion. Particular attention should be paid to intermodal investment, facilitating regional development, and fostering partnerships with the private sector.
Enhancing Road Freight: Recommendations for road freight include adopting a 2.55m maximum vehicle width to accommodate electric heavy vehicles, offering weight allowances for zero-emission trucks, revising freight curfews for quieter vehicles, and promoting lower-carbon fuels and technologies. Identifying priority road projects, funding productivity-enhancing initiatives, and addressing autonomous heavy vehicle operation on public roads are also encouraged.
Optimizing Air Freight: Suggested measures for air freight include revising curfew conditions at certain airports to boost productivity, aligning with the quieter profiles of modern aircraft. Engaging with operators to understand air freight requirements and enhance productivity is emphasized.
Maritime Freight Infrastructure: The Strategy should consider future infrastructure requirements for major container ports, especially concerning defense asset locations that may affect port facilities. Evaluating coastal shipping regulations for competitiveness and flexibility is recommended.
Protection from Urban Encroachment: Freight facilities and adjacent industrial land must be safeguarded from incompatible urban encroachment while balancing evolving land use needs.
Simplified Trade System: The BCA underscores the need for the Simplified Trade System reform process to be driven forward as a high-priority federal government initiative.
Conclusion
The BCA’s submission emphasizes the critical role of government coordination in addressing the challenges facing Australia’s freight sector. It calls for concrete actions and practical strategies to enhance reliability, reduce costs, decrease emissions, and improve safety in freight operations. The recommendations presented aim to create a resilient and efficient freight network that can adapt to the changing economic and environmental landscape.
