by Nic ki | Jul 24, 2013 | Latest News
On 10 May the Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure agreed to the National Land Freight Strategy (NLFS). The Strategy represents an integrated national approach to planning for the freight demand which is expected to double by 2030. It addresses the issues impacting on freight efficiencies, including freight infrastructure, planning, investment and regulation.
The prevailing issues identified in the NLFS are consistent with those identified in the QTLC’s Strengthening Queensland’s Supply Chain (SQSC), although the SQSC has a strong state focus, it’s outcomes align with the NLFS aims for:
- freight corridors to unlock productivity potential currently unknown
- separate management of specific railways
- consideration being given to opening up more roads to establishing dedicated freight routes and separating passenger trains from freight trains
- integration of freight policies with transport and land use planning
- identifying the existing and yet-to-be built roads, rail lines, intermodals, ports and airports which will link together to form a workable, truly national freight network.
The National Transport Commission, industry and local government have worked together in close consultation with Infrastructure Australia to develop an action plan that gives effect to the Strategy’s initiatives.
If you would like to view the Strategy please CLICK HERE.
by Nic ki | Jul 24, 2013 | Latest News
Infrastructure Australia’s 50 Year National Infrastructure Plan was released 2 July. The Report to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) outlines the reforms and priority infrastructure needs to ensure that infrastructure networks can respond to the demands of Australia’s changing economy.
Action and reforms outlined in the report include:
- Establish a single national infrastructure fund
- Moving from grant funding of infrastructure to a system that encourage e private investment
- Selling or long-term leasing of government infrastructure assets and re-investing the proceeds in new infrastructure
- Wider application of user pays funding arrangements, especially but not only in the fright sector, on the proviso that users get a say in scoping new projects
The single national infrastructure fund will provide a national framework underpinned by a single assessment and prioritisation for infrastructure funding, which allows for greater transparency and consistency.
Brisbane Cross River Rail has been included in the $11 billion “ready to proceed” projects that meet Infrastructure Australian’s criteria to help solve a nationally significant infrastructure problem and deliver economic benefits.
“Threshold” projects such as Ipswich Motorway still require a degree of project development before they are a deemed “ready to proceed”. Projects recognised in the plan as having a “national freight network” are further behind in the process are the; Toowoomba 2nd Range Crossing, the Warrego Highway Upgrade Program, and Landsborough to Beerburrum rail duplication and have been identified as project with “real potential”.
To view the report please CLICK HERE
by Nic ki | Jul 24, 2013 | Latest News
Sponsoring the Brisbane Project Logistics Gathering (BPLG) 12 July gathering presented an opportunity for QTLC to engage with a broad cross section of the projects and logistics industry.
The event was well attended and provided a forum to engage with industry in a relaxed environment. The QTLC enjoyed the chance to forge existing relationships and to foster new ones with key industry delegates from the project logistics field.
Chair, Neil Findlay said “The opportunity to meet and chat informally with people from the industries that the QTLC represents, was invaluable.”
by Nic ki | Jul 24, 2013 | Latest News
The implementation of recommendations contained within the Strengthening Queensland’s Supply Chains Report (SQSC) will form the foundation of the QTLC’s ongoing work program over the next 12 months. In addition to undertaking to deliver the SQSC recommendations the QTLC will focus on progressing the following projects:
- Heavy Vehicle Access Forum with industry and government to identify and address issues with permitting system processes.
- Collaborating with industry and government to use real time traffic data to manage congestion.
- Engage with agricultural producers and key above and below rail operators to progress opportunities for increasing agricultural commodities on rail through to the Port of Brisbane.
- Engage with LGAQ to develop local regional freight transport plans focusing on “places for freight”.
With the QTLC having already delivered on the key priorities it identified in 2012 – 2014 Operational Plan, this new body of work will ensure that QTLC continues its focus on progressing outcomes for the freight and transport industry and being responsive to its emerging needs.
by Nic ki | Jul 24, 2013 | Latest News
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) released the draft “Moving Freight” plan 26th June 2013. The plan provides a policy direction for managing Queensland’s increasing freight demands with a vision “to ensure the freight system is continually receptive and responsive to customers’ needs, changing industry requirements and growing economic activity.”
The importance of the freight task and its role as a key economic driver is highlighted in the draft Moving Freight plan. Freight growths being supported by actions identified in the plans 6 priorities:
- Expand the use of rail freight
- Increase road freight network access
- Greater freight infrastructure investment
- Support future freight growth
- Better freight policy and information
- Engage industry for better freight outcomes
To view the Moving Freight plan please click here, please direct any feedback you wish to provide on the report to roadsrail&ports@tmr.qld.gov.au. The deadline to submit feedback is 12 August.
