Transport inquiry heads to Sydney

<p>A House of Representatives inquiry into regional rail and road networks and their port connectivity, will hold a public hearing in Sydney on Monday (November 21).</p> <p>The House of Representatives Transport and Regional Services Committee will hear from a range of witnesses, including the Australian Council for Infrastructure Development, P&#38O Ports, the Association of Australian Ports and Marine Authorities and Shipping Australia.</p> <p>Committee chairman Paul Neville said Sydney was chosen as a venue because the city’s freight movement was a vital component of the national network.</p> <p>"We will be asking witnesses about the future needs of Australia’s transport infrastructure, the growth in container shipments, competition in the stevedoring industry and the future development of Australia’s ports," Mr Neville said.</p> <p>"A matter of particular interest to the committee is the condition of branch lines used to move the grain harvest."</p> <p>It was also interested in future plans for rail infrastructure, planned port road access and how the transport network would perform under a record harvest, Mr Neville said.</p> <p>So far, the committee has received 125 submissions.</p> <p>More hearings will be conducted around the country over the next few months before the committee tables its report mid next year.</p> <br />