A Focus on Future Freight in Queensland
As Queensland seeks to increase economic competitiveness in the global marketplace, it is critical we have a freight system that supports resilient, effective and efficient supply chains, and which can meet the current and future demands.
To that end, the QTLC has undertaken an analysis of the global supply chain characteristics and policy imperatives driving economic development and growth, to understand how these relate to proposed and existing infrastructure.
The report, Future Freight in Queensland from a Global Supply Chain Perspective, intends to:
- define the characteristics of the major Queensland supply chains in terms of freight movements and movement patterns, both current state and potential future state scenario/s;
- identify the drivers of change in our supply chains, from both a global and national perspective; and
- identify and examine current constraints, in terms of both infrastructure and the policy/governance framework.
In summary, while extensive vehicle productivity gains are declining for some sectors, the need for gains remain a critical factor for Queensland’s most strategically and economically important supply chains.
Leveraging optimum advantage from investment in freight transport infrastructure, including rail, will require a detailed and comprehensive understanding of these supply chains at the nodal and modal level.
A specific and detailed focus on strategically important and high economic value chains is recommended, to prioritise freight infrastructure development and investment.
CLICK HERE to read the full report
A Focus on Freight on Queensland’s Inland Highway
Efficient supply chains are good for Queenslanders, the Queensland economy and our environment.
As the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments seek to increase economic performance through expansion of the agricultural and resources sectors, there is a need to establish a viable alternative to the Bruce Highway, which is vulnerable to a raft of road safety, flooding, capacity and congestion issues.
With this in mind, the Queensland Transport and Logistics Council (QTLC) identified a series of inland highways and developmental roads that potentially could combine to provide an alternative to the Bruce Highway for connecting key industries and supply chains to domestic and export markets.
Potential inland routes were then analysed according to flood resilience, road safety, freight flows, level of access, travel times and distance. This analysis identified a preferred Queensland Inland Highway route with a number of advantages for freight movements to and from southern markets including:
- Time savings between 10% and 25%
- Productivity gains between 23% for PBS Level 3 and 49% for PBS Level 4
- Flood resilience and improved road safety
The economic benefits of shifting heavy vehicle traffic from the Bruce Highway to an inland corridor are estimated to be approximately $642 million over 30 years with $355 million over 30 years accruing in Queensland.
The results of the project and analysis are contained in * A focus on freight on Queensland’s inland highway.*
CLICK HERE to read the full report
The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing: Freight benefits & opportunities to improve productivity
The TSRC has long been one of the highest infrastructure priorities for Queensland. With over $1.6 billion committed for the project, it is critical that the design reflect freight transport and supply chain characteristics and trends to maximise productivity and ensure that the infrastructure can accommodate freight demand well into the future.
A Focus on Freight on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing summarises the outcomes of a Forum and study undertaken by the QTLC to examine the supply chain benefits, freight efficiency opportunities and the broader economic opportunities provided by the proposed Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC).
The report outlines supply chain characteristics and data for 11 key industries using the current range crossing and identifies a number of opportunities to optimise productivity through a defined level of access, including enabling access to other strategic freight routes.
CLICK HERE to read the full report
Unlocking efficiency and productivity through Supply Chain Coordination: A QTLC Freight in Focus Seminar
The Queensland Transport and Logistics Council held a Freight in Focus Seminar on 9th April 2014 to explore the relative benefits of supply chain coordination models employed in the Hunter Valley and the Port Botany and discuss the potential for applying coordination functions to benefit Queensland supply chains.
To view the Event Summary, please CLICK HERE
QTLC Submission to the Queensland Parliament Inquiry into Rail Freight Use by the Agriculture and Livestock Industries
The parliamentary inquiry into rail freight use by the agriculture and livestock industries intends to provide future direction for enhancing the utilisation of the rail system for primary producers and their freight needs, identify the characteristics of the future transport system for primary producer freight needs, and identify a broad range of options for delivering freight solutions for primary producers.
To view the QTLC Submission, CLICK HERE
AFCN Submission
With June 30, 2014 arking the end of existing federal funding agreements, the Australian Freight Council Network (AFCN) has commenced discussions with the Federal Government to renew funding for an additional three years. As a part of that process the AFCN has presented a submission to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development that outlines AFCN achievements and contribution to the freight and logistics industry nationally.
To view the AFCN Submission please CLICK HERE
QTLC’s Submission to the Draft Queensland Port Strategy
The draft Queensland Port strategy provides a solid platform for the planning, regulation and management of Qld Ports. The strategy also adopts a “leading practice” approach by recognising the critical relationship between ports and the supply chains they service and incorporating this into master planning frameworks.
To view the QTLC’s Submission CLICK HERE
Strengthening Queensland’s Supply Chain Report (2013-2015)
Supply Chain efficiencies have always been of paramount importance to the freight industry and the issue it is now gaining increased attention from all tiers of government that recognise the economic and community benefits these efficiencies deliver.
Since its release The QTLC’s Strengthening Queensland’s Supply Chains has received support from both industry and government for addressing the existing issues that impact on the efficiency of supply chains. The 52 recommendations contained within the report focus on low cost, innovative, systemic solutions to addressing these issues. It is intended that the SQSC will be a “live” document that is reviewed bi-annually and is responsive to changes in the freight environment.
The QTLC had an opportunity to discuss elements of the report with the Queensland Premier who was supportive of the initiatives identified, particularly those relating to rail and agricultural commodities.
The report makes strategic and operational recommendations to improve the development and sustainability of efficient and productive supply chains in Queensland. It also identifies freight transport and logistics infrastructure investment and necessary policy, planning and process reforms required to support the future freight task in Queensland.
To view the Strengthening Queensland’s Supply Chains Report please CLICK HERE
North Coast Line Supply Chain and Rail Forum
The QTLC in partnership with Queensland Rail (QR) conducted the North Coast Line (NCL) Supply Chain and Rail Forum on Friday 22 March, with the aim of addressing challenges and identifying potential solutions to improve the NCL service reliability and efficiency.
Outcomes, priorities and actions generated from the forum have been formalised into the attached Communiqué – NCL Supply Chain Forum Communique.
Import Export Logistics Chain Study
The QTLC collaborated with the Port of Brisbane to undertake an Import Export (IMEX) Logistics Chain Study. The study will provide the QTLC and Port of Brisbane with robust data on traffic volumes, movement and flow maps and trade volumes. It also identifies supply chain blockages and influences, as well as the origin and destination of specific cargo types and modes.
Please CLICK HERE to read a copy of the IMEXT Study Summary.
QTLC Industry Associates
Becoming a QTLC Industry Associate member provides stakeholders in the freight and logistics supply chains the opportunity to become involve in QTLC activities. Associates are kept informed of developments and resources in the freight transport and logistics sector and are invited to collaborate with the Council on activities that help to develop efficient, productive and sustainable freight movements and supply chains.
To apply to become a QTLC Industry Associate, please complete the application form located under the About the QTLC tab.