Freight Rail

Freight body asks for policies ahead of Vic election

The Australian Logistics Council has asked Victoria’s Labor Government and Liberal Opposition to provide their freight policies ahead of the state election on November 24.

ALC interim chief executive Lachlan Benson said the industry body had written to both Premier Daniel Andrews and Opposition leader Matthew Guy to outline their policies and priorities.

Benson said road and passenger rail projects had been a major talking point during the campaign, indicating both sides’ concern over population and planning.

“In considering these matters,” he noted, “it is important that governments consider not only the movement of people, but also the movement of freight. This is why ALC has sought assurances from both leaders that if they are successful on 24 November, they will cooperate closely with the Federal Government on the development of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.”

The ALC wants both parties to buy in to the Strategy, which was developed by the Council of Australian Governments’ Transport and Infrastructure Council, and released in May 2018.

“ALC has also asked the leaders to outline their plans for dealing with other crucial supply chain issues, including congestion in urban areas, a corridor protection strategy to protect key freight corridors against the impact of urban encroachment, and ensuring any current and future regulation of Victoria’s freight transport infrastructure affords our industry the flexibility it needs to operate 24/7,” Benson added.

“It has been pleasing to note some commitments have already been made to address these issues, including the Government’s provision of $25.7 million for the Port Rail Shuttle Network to help reduce road congestion, bipartisan support for the West Gate Tunnel Project and the North East Link, and the Opposition’s commitment to build the East West Link.”