by S M G | Mar 21, 2014 | Latest News
The State and Federal Governments have given the green light to the Toowoomba 2nd Range Crossing (TSRC). The Announcement was made on 31 January 2014, and the procurement phase has already begun with “Register of Interest” being open to interested parties, documentation is available on the Projects Queensland website.
Toowoomba is a transport network hub for the Darling Downs and a gateway to the developing energy sector in the Surat Basin. With the Warrego, New England and Gore Highways converging in Toowoomba en route to and from the east it has become a focal point for both interstate and intrastate freight movement. Increasing traffic volumes are putting pressure on the highway network that passes through Toowoomba and over the Toowoomba Range.
The TSRC is a bypass route to the north of Toowoomba, approximately 41km in length, running from the Warrego Highway at Helidon in the east to the Gore Highway at Athol in the west via Charlton and is expected to be ready for commencement by 2015.
The project is the largest Commonwealth Government commitment to a single regional road project in Queensland history.
Treasurer Tim Nicholls said “Modelling shows over the next 30 years, the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing will help bring about a $2.4 billion increase in productivity in the Toowoomba region alone, boosting national productivity by $3.1 billion.”
The QTLC will closely follow the development of the specifications for the TSRC and will engage with industry and government to identify and promote tangential infrastructure, planning and policy that will leverage additional efficiency and productivity benefits.
by S M G | Mar 21, 2014 | Latest News
On 10 February 2014 the Heavy Vehicle National Law 2012 (HVNL) commenced, replacing existing laws governing the operation of all vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania.
The NHVR will provide streamlined and practical operations for heavy vehicle access, accreditation, vehicle standards and fatigue management, and will continue to take measures to evolve into your one-stop-shop for heavy vehicle road transport business with government. The NHVR will continue to manage NHVAS accreditation and PBS design and vehicle approvals
The NHVR will be delivering the following services in those states and territories where the law has commenced:
- issuing permits for heavy vehicle access, together with new forms for access applications
- NHVAS approvals
- PBS vehicle design and vehicle access approvals
- consistent compliance and enforcement
- a new risk classification system for advanced fatigue management
- vehicle inspection standards
For more information, visit www.nhvr.gov.au.
by S M G | Mar 21, 2014 | Latest News
In October 2013 last year, the Legislative Assembly agreed to a motion that the Transport, Housing and Local Government Committee inquire and report on options to incentivise the agricultural and livestock industry to utilise rail.
To investigate these options the committee is consulting with key industry groups and through written submissions and a series of public hearings.
The QTLC’s submission to the Inquiry drew on the content in its Strengthening Queensland’s Supply Chains Report, which was submitted to government in May 2012.
The submission reinforced many of the key messages contained within the report, such as the importance of robust data collection, fit for task infrastructure, strategically located intermodal terminals, the value of a dedicated rail freight corridor and the importance of above rail competition.
To view a copy of the QTLC submission CLICK HERE.
The Committee will report back to the House with its findings by 10 June 2014.
by S M G | Mar 20, 2014 | Latest News
IF WE DE-RAIL AUSTRALIA, WE DERAIL AUSTRALIA.
With infrastructure firmly on the agenda of the Abbott Government’s first term of office, and key infrastructure projects currently being announced or determined in Queensland at present, the imperative to make long term decisions about Australia’s supply chain needs is critical.
In a refreshing development, the proposed Inland Rail corridor linking Melbourne with Port of Brisbane is getting new impetus with growing support from Federal and State Governments, Port of Brisbane and freight clients.
A true nation-building project, Inland Rail typifies the class of infrastructure development that will underpin Australia’s economy for the next 100 years and beyond.
Inland Rail ticks all of the right boxes in providing sustainable and expandable freight capacity for our domestic and international trade, easing pressure on our strained road networks and dramatically improving rail productivity and performance on the high volume East Coast corridor.
Australia is now at the crossroads and must face up to and make the crucial decisions on the development and funding of this intergenerational lifeline for Australia’s supply chains.
The longer it is deferred, the more costly and difficult it becomes; corridor availability becomes threatened; projected growth in the National freight task remains unaddressed; our global competitiveness comes under further pressure; and latent productivity gains in our export industries remain un-harvested.
It will take Statesman-like leadership and decisions and to create the efficient supply chains we need; supply chains that foster and support domestic and export industries; and job creation.
QTLC is supporting Government and industry in securing the best possible outcomes for this project.
by S M G | Mar 20, 2014 | Latest News
The QTLC is excited to bring to you the first in its series of “Freight in Focus” seminars. Unlocking Efficiency and Productivity through supply chain Coordination – a strategic response to the challenges of multiple participant supply chains and those sharing common infrastructure and services.
The Seminar Series represents QTLC’s on-going commitment to responding to the needs of industry, by creating a forum for meaningful dialogue between key stakeholders on relevant topics.
Join the QTLC and the panel of experts as they discuss the relative benefits of supply chain coordination models employed in the Hunter Valley and the Port Botany and the potential for applying coordination principles and functions to benefit Queensland supply chains.
This seminar will cover:
- the importance of optimising capacity and performance of freight systems by aligning and coordinating supply chains
- the benefits delivered by existing supply chain coordination models
- the opportunities for Queensland to maximise freight opportunities by coordinating our supply chains.
Date: 9th April 2014
Venue: Victoria Park Golf Course, Quartz Room
Event type: Breakfast, 7:30am-9:30am (registration and coffee from 7am)
Cost (including GST): $60 per person, $450 – Table of 8 (including breakfast, tea and coffee)
The State and Federal Governments have given the green light to the Toowoomba 2nd Range Crossing (TSRC). The Announcement was made on 31 January 2014, and the procurement phase has already begun with “Register of Interest” being open to interested parties, documentation is available on the Projects Queensland website.