Ian Ackerman – Sydney
A national strategy for freight is necessary, as it is critical that “everybody’s playing to the same tune”, Australian Logistics Council chairman Ian Murray said last night (Monday Sept 12).
Speaking at an ALC Parliamentary Function at Parliament House in Canberra, Mr Murray said MP Anthony Albanese put together a good strategy for ports and freight.
“What we’re talking about is getting Government to go one step further and put together a national freight strategy,” he said.
“Unless we’re all playing the same tune – industry, federal government, state government and local government – we’re not going to achieve the outcomes that we want.”
Logistical infrastructure issues will become more critical as the national population increases, and plans need to be made with the long-term benefits in mind, Mr Murray said in his speech.
“It’s always difficult to plan for the long term when it comes to the government because there’s always a short-term orientation,” he said.
“But, in terms of what we do in this industry, if you don’t have a long-term plan or a long-term vision, there’s no point in having a plan or a vision at all.
“This industry is built on long-term activity and long-term activity is one of the things that governments tend to shy away from.”
Other themes touched on in Mr Murray’s speech included the need for more freight to be carried on rail, improving safety, and heavy vehicle reform.
A promotional video by ALC was debuted at the cocktail function, with the theme of “get the supply chain right”.
“The video highlights how greater focus by governments on improved fright planning investment, reform, corridor protection and safety will support more efficient supply chains, and through that, a stronger economy,” ALC managing director Michael Kilgariff said in a statement released by the ALC.
“Headlining the video is the need for a national Freight and Supply Chain strategy which sets a long-term strategic framework for more efficient freight movements across our supply chains.
“The development of an overarching national freight and supply chain strategy is needed to drive improved decision making across all levels of government, and to provide industry with the confidence it needs to make long term investment decisions,” Mr Kilgariff said.
“A national freight and supply chain strategy would build on the Port and Land Freight strategies which were developed under former Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, and which established a solid foundation for future work in this area.”
This article was originally published on Rail Express affiliate website Lloyd’s List Australia.