The Minister for Transport has announced an ambitious policy reform program to address the key issues facing the freight industry in NSW.
The program will deliver prioritised and practical policy reform focused on the key current and emerging challenges facing the NSW freight task.
It will be led by Transport for NSW under the leadership of an Independent Advisory Panel of eminent experts all who have deep experience in the freight and logistics sector reporting to the Minister who will assist in the development of a new freight strategy for the State.
The panel will consist of:
- Kerry Schott AO
- Lucio Di Bartolomeo
- Hermione Parsons
This policy reform will focus on the different parts of the supply chain, with ports, rail, road and intermodal facilities all considered as part of a coordinated supply chain to determine the right policy framework to optimise safety, sustainability and productivity.
A more productive freight sector makes it easier for businesses to operate and can also deliver lower retail prices for customers right across NSW.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen spoke about what the panel will be focussing on.
“Safe, sustainable, and productive freight transport is critical to support the people, businesses and industries of NSW. A more productive freight sector can deliver reduced costs for businesses and lower retail prices for ordinary people right across NSW,” she said.
“Our freight network is still too disjointed and inefficient with policy and infrastructure bottlenecks right across the supply chain.
“I am pleased to be able to announce the beginning of this significant reform agenda to inform government policy and provide an evidence-based action plan that will optimise the freight transport network in NSW.
“The appointment of the Independent Advisory Panel will work with my department and provide independent and expert advice on the Program.
“I have confidence that with their diverse expertise in their fields, the Panel is well placed to lead us through this significant reform in freight transport policy.”
Immediate priorities for the panel will include consideration of the determination of compensation to be paid by the Port of Newcastle for increasing container operations as part of NSW port policy.
The panel will also review and consult with industry on the recommendations made by Ed Willett’s review of the port regulatory framework and the regulation of the movement of containers at Port Botany.
The program will identify short, medium and long-term actions for Government to support the ongoing improvement of freight transport across NSW.
The freight task in NSW is a complex and evolving with a need to respond to advances in technology and a move toward net zero emissions, the ongoing development of major infrastructure, the changing ports landscape, national harmonisation policies and global trade fluctuations.
The Freight Reform Program will deliver a comprehensive strategic reform agenda to optimise freight transport to benefit NSW communities.
There will be comprehensive stakeholder consultation undertaken as part of this program. It is intended that the first phase will follow release of a Discussion Paper and is expected to occur in in the first quarter of next year.
