Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) welcome the release of a new consultation paper as part of the NSW Freight Policy Reform program. This paper, aimed at gathering industry feedback, represents a significant advancement in shaping the future of freight operations across New South Wales (NSW).
The consultation paper's release follows the NSW Government's announcement on 25 January 2024, during which The Hon. Jo Haylen MP, Minister for Transport, unveiled a comprehensive policy reform program spearheaded by Transport for NSW (TfNSW). This program, outlined alongside the release of the Final Report on the Review of the Ports and Maritime Administration Act (PAMA) and Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy (PBLIS), was designed to tackle the pressing issues confronting the freight industry, including the enhancement of safety, sustainability, and productivity across all supply chain components—ports, rail, road, and intermodal facilities. The reform will also include further consultation on the draft NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy and recommendations made in the Final Report on the Review of PBLIS.
Calls for Feedback
The government is calling for industry participation through feedback on the consultation paper, which outlines the reform's objectives, scope, and guiding principles. This document is crucial for setting the blueprint that will support the evolving needs of the freight and logistics sector, aiming to foster local manufacturing and improve road safety.
This new phase of consultation will also revisit recommendations from previous reviews, including the regulation of Port Botany's container operations and the broader NSW port landscape changes following significant privatisations and technological advancements.
Minister Haylen has urged industry stakeholders to actively participate in this consultation process. "The release of the Freight Policy Reform Program Consultation Paper is a critical step in formulating the blueprint for improving freight efficiency. We encourage industry to get involved and provide feedback on how we can support a resilient freight
sector, which will mean cheaper goods, delivered more quickly and efficiently, for the people of NSW" she stated. The feedback collected will help the government support a resilient freight sector, ultimately leading to more cost-effective and efficient delivery of goods across NSW.
The consultation paper is available on the Transport for NSW Freight Policy Reform website, with online submissions open until 31 May 2024.
Resources:
Media Release
NSW Freight Reform Policy Website
Submissions to this paper will be used to importantly provide advice to Government about potential future policy settings.
Submissions for the Consultation Paper are now open and members are encouraged to supply feedback to Tom Jensen by 17 May 2024 for incorporation into the FTA/APSA submission.
Submissions can also be made direct to the Department by close of business Friday 31 May 2024 by emailing MERNAP@infrastructure.gov.au
Tom Jensen - Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA / APSA