Queensland has released its draft State Infrastructure Plan outlining freight market access as a priority for future investment, and the sustainable development of key ports as a long term opportunity.
Upgrades to several key highways, including the Bruce Highway, and Warrego Highway, have been identified as projects within the 1-4 year program.
Assisting in the Inland Rail project is proposed as a 5-15 year opportunity in the report.
The plan also notes an opportunity to respond to growth in freight movement by identifying and protecting future transport corridors, and enhancing regulatory frameworks that optimise the efficiency of supply chains.
Deputy premier and minister for transport, infrastructure, local government, planning and trade Jackie Trad, said the draft plan is fiscally responsible, long-term and encourages private sector innovation.
She said that rather than being prescriptive, the plan presents the challenges and identifies opportunities without dictating specific solutions.
Meanwhile, the Australian Logistics Council has welcomed the release of the draft plan, saying it is the first step in providing a solid blueprint to guide the state’s investments to improve supply chain efficiency.
The ALC also applauded the state’s inclusion of the Inland Rail project on its Infrastructure Priority List, with the ALC’s managing director Michael Kilgariff saying the project will “help meet Queensland’s freight task in the future”.
Queensland has also proposed that the National Land Transport Network renewal reform be added to the Infrastructure Priority List.
This reform aims to deliver asset-renewal preservation and an operations program for the state’s National Land Transport Network, enabling more efficient and reliable freight access.
Public consultation is open until December 2, 2015, and feedback will assist in Queensland developing the final plan, which is due for release early next year.
This story originally appeared in Rail Express affiliate, Lloyd’s List Australia.