by Nic ki | Dec 19, 2013 | Latest News
The Queensland Government has a clear Four Pillar strategy to drive our economy, with agriculture being one of the four, and key to our long term prosperity. Queensland is renowned globally for our quality, clean food products, but to play on a global stage we must be competitive. While we have some of the world’s most productive farmers, bottlenecks exist in our supply chains that threaten our competitive position and compromise farm returns.
Our freight and logistics networks are generally highly efficient on a line-haul or point-to-point basis, but the connectivity between modes, and between sectors sometimes lets us down and threatens our viability. When viewed holistically, when taking an end-to-end view, our supply chains are not as efficient as they could be. The connectivity, the ability to quickly, seamlessly and cost-effectively move our agricultural products to market is often not as efficient as it could be.
In this environment it is easy to isolate and blame high labour, fuel or other costs for our competitive challenges; but ultimately the individual elements of our supply chains are, of themselves very efficient; it is our system-wide productivity that causes the most grief. The 2013 Productivity Commission report confirms that Australia’s productivity is languishing, leaving us vulnerable globally.
Clearly there are significant gains to be had via modal, sectoral and regional cooperation, and collaboration. Our greatest supply chain benefits will be harvested via improved connectivity between supply chain elements; pursuing highest asset utilization; aligning Government policy and regulation with the needs of industries; embracing technology solutions; and simply sweating our assets harder.
Ultimately, productivity improvement is not someone else’s problem: it’s everyone’s problem.
QTLC is actively working with the Queensland & Federal Governments, rail, road and port operators to ensure we have the most efficient supply chains possible. 2013 has seen QTLC deliver on key objectives and we look forward to building on this performance in 2014.
by Nic ki | Dec 19, 2013 | Latest News
The 5th Annual Queensland Transport Infrastructure Conference provides delegates with an opportunity to discuss the topics and issues that impact delivering and maintaining Queensland’s transport infrastructure.
As an endorser of the Conference this year the QTLC looks forward to supporting an event that provides a forum for discussions around prevailing transport infrastructure issues including; evaluating prioritisation, planning and delivery of critical transport infrastructure projects.
The Conference fosters an environment where industry professionals come together to connect and share ideas on transport infrastructure in Queensland. It also provides highly valuable networking opportunities for transport professionals, operators, contractors, consultants and investors to exchange ideas and learn about the latest plans and developments across the broad transport spectrum.
Attendees will hear presentations and case studies from distinguished experts discussing the latest news and developments relevant to the transport industry. For further information about the Conference and to register CLICK HERE
by Nic ki | Dec 19, 2013 | Latest News
October 2013, saw the release of the draft Queensland Ports Strategy (QPS) by the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, for public consultation.
The Queensland Ports Strategy will be the Queensland Government’s blueprint for managing and improving the efficiency and environmental management of the state’s port network over the next decade.
The strategic objectives of the draft Queensland Ports Strategy include:
- providing certainty and direction for future port planning
- supporting environmental protection, in particular for the Great Barrier Reef
- supporting improvements in the management and productivity of ports and the ports network
- enhancing supply chain connections
- facilitating the strategic use of ports.
The draft Queensland Ports Strategy outlines the key actions that will help the Queensland Government achieve its objectives and is available at www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/qps.
The QTLC’s submission to the Queensland Government’s invitation for public comment on the strategy can be found on the QTLC Website to view CLICK HERE.
by Nic ki | Dec 19, 2013 | Latest News
Neil Findlay QTLC Chair was invited to speak at Queensland Agricultural Merchant (QAM) Annual General Meeting. The topic of discussion was the history of agriculture and how the pressures, changes and competitive global nature of agricultural trade indicate that a first class supply chains is essential to remain competitive
Neil referred to the challenges that exist in the Agriculture sector today and the benefits of being adaptive to the changes which have the potential improve the supply chain efficiencies.
“The Queensland Government has introduced a clear 4 pillar strategy to drive our economy forward. Not surprisingly agriculture is one of the 4, and a key to our long term prosperity. There is a vision to double Queensland agricultural production over the next 30 years.”
“Australia is renowned globally for its quality, clean food products so we have something to sell. Yet, to play on the global stage we must be able to compete. Queensland, and Australia have some of the worlds most productive and competitive farmers, (largely subsidy free) but bottlenecks and hurdles exist in getting this produce to market.” Neil advised.
Technology solutions will feature in efforts to measure, monitor and maximise asset performance; Government policy and regulation must of necessity align with the long term objectives and aspirations of our industries; modal, sectoral and regional collaboration and cooperation will be essential to optimize the efficiencies of our supply chains.
by Nic ki | Dec 19, 2013 | Latest News, QTLC Updates
The Newman Government has developed a clear direction to guide Queensland’s growing freight industry by increasing rail use and creating a more efficient road network.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the Moving Freight Strategy, endorsed by several peak industry organisations, identifies 38 actions to meet the freight demand over the next 10 years.
“Freight volumes in Queensland are expected to increase from 871 million tonnes in 2010-11 to 1643-1741 million tonnes by 2026,” Mr Emerson said.
“That will be the annual equivalent of 21.7 million more truck trips on our roads or 174,000 more freight train trips on our network.
“The previous government failed to plan for future growth, but we promised at the election to deliver better planning and infrastructure.
“If we don’t put a clear plan in place our network will grind to a halt, unable to cope with the increase in demand.
“Actions identified to get more freight on to rail and reduce road congestion include preserving train paths on regional rail lines for agricultural freight and undertaking a pre-feasibility study for a new rail freight terminal on the north side of Brisbane.
“Already we have announced up to $50 million on additional passing loops and $17 million to lower train tunnels enabling the agricultural industry to use larger containers through the ToowoombaRange and LockyerValley.
“We have also increased cattle services from Winton to Brisbane and Cloncurry to Brisbane.
“In order to better support the road freight network we are looking at reducing red tape for heavy freight vehicle permits and investigating upgrades to key freight routes on the Flinders/Barkly highways, Warrego Highway, Capricorn Highway and Peak Downs/Gregory highways.
“Queensland’s freight network is critical to our economy and plays a valuable part in each of the four pillars of tourism, agriculture, resources and construction, that we promised to grow.”
The primary freight network is made up of 13,600km of road, 9,550km of rail line, 15 trading ports, three international airports as well as multiple domestic airports and freight terminals.
Mr Emerson said the freight industry was fully supportive of the Moving Freight Strategy.
Neil Findlay from Queensland Transport and Logisticis Council offered his support for the strategy, saying “The collaborative approach to developing Moving Freight between government and industry has enabled the identification of real freight issues and challenges.”
Another of the industry’s major bodies, AgForce Queensland said “This will ensure long term access for Agricultural fright on rail, the reduction of red tape and improvement of the road network.”
A copy of the Moving Freight strategy is available online at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/movingfreight.
[ENDS] 12 December 2013 Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625
