FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

Ministers endorse National Transport Commission (NTC) to update the National Voluntary Guidelines for Stevedore Landside Charges

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), together with the Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA), have been actively engaging with state governments following the Victorian Government's initiative to improve transparency and control of landside charges. This Victorian-led reform work has provided a foundation for securing broader national support for a consistent approach.
 

The communique of the meeting confirms that this work is starting to bear fruit. Ministers have endorsed the National Transport Commission (NTC) to update the National Voluntary Guidelines for Stevedore Landside Charges to:

• Require stevedores to implement price changes annually on 1 January

• Extend similar requirements to empty container park (ECP) operators

READ MORE

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

With everyone talking rail of late, this initiative couldn't be more timely. It strengthens intermodal connections, boosts freight efficiency, and provides shippers with greater flexibility.

in shaping this plan through several frank and productive consultations with government and industry colleagues. See the Freight Plan HERE

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

DCN - Win for shippers as ministers back new guidelines

IN A good result for the lobbying efforts of shipper bodies yesterday's meeting of National Cabinet's infrastructure and transport ministers agreed to strengthen scrutiny and management of stevedores' land-based charges, and to include empty container parks. 
 

FTA/APSA's Tom Jensen told DCN yesterday's announcement was an important national commitment from the ITMM to improve transparency and predictability for importers, exporters, freight forwarders, customs brokers, logistics providers and transport operators.

"Our priority now is to work with the NTC to ensure the updated Guidelines are finalised within months, not years, and that this work is treated as a priority to deliver genuine outcomes rather than procedural change," Mr Jensen said. READ MORE (credit DCN)

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FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

FTA offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) training online for the customs broker licencing period 1 April to 31 March each year. The cost of an online training package is $150 (excl. gst) for member organisations with bulk discounts available on a sliding scale. New content is now ready for your completion.

Licensed customs brokers not employed by a corporate FTA member, can purchase an Individual Membership which includes online CPD & CBC training for the cost of only $300 (excl. gst) per customs broker licensing period.

Employees of members who do not require CPD points or a formal certificate/attainment statement can access webinar/seminar recordings on our main website HERE (corporate member password protected).

Please email Caroline at czalai@FTAlliance.com.au if you wish to purchase a package.

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LOGISTICS

DP World - Brisbane Terminal IT outage for Thursday 14/08/25

NOW POSTPONED

Please note that DP World have postponed their upcoming outage: 

Please be advised that the planned IT outage for this Thursday 14/08/25 has been postponed.

Please note that the Terminal will now be open and operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as usual. Timeslots for the planned outage are now open.

Critical maintenance works will occur at Common User Berth 11, scheduled from 20 August to 3 September 2025. These works are necessary to ensure the ongoing safety and operational efficiency of the port.
 
Berth 11 Shutdown - Key information: 

• Shutdown period: 20 August – 3 September 2025.

• Scope of Critical Works at Berth 11: Works include deck repairs, bollard and pile refurbishments, and sheet pile wall inspections.

• Berthing availability: During this period, only vessels up to 200m LOA can be accommodated at Berth 12.

  • As the maintenance progresses east to west, there may be scope for larger vessels to berth.

    • Ro-Ro vessels under 237m LOA may be considered in the mid-stages of the works.

    • Ro-Ro vessels under 265m LOA may be considered toward the later stages, as the work area reduces further.

A diagram is attached  outlining the Berth 11 maintenance schedule and expected berthing capacity during the shutdown.

NHVR to focus on truck movements at Australia's ports

Transport operators hauling in and out of the nation's ports can expect to see police and NHVR officers on patrol in August.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has announced it will be conducting Operation Quay for four weeks with NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers to work alongside police to conduct roadside inspections. READ MORE (credit ATN magazine)

The NHVR's information around shipping container transporting can be found HERE

Voluntary Port Performance Framework Quarterly Dashboard

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has released the Quarter 2 2025 quarterly dashboard under the Voluntary Port Performance Model (VPPM).The dashboard provides quarterly updates from the three stevedores and other stakeholders,  to improve the transparency of land-side port operations as part of the Victorian Government's Voluntary Port Performance Model.

You can view the dashboard by visiting the Voluntary Performance Monitoring Framework webpage.

Contact John Park to feature your organisation or service in an upcoming edition - prospectus HERE

In this issue, we discuss:

• Redefining construction practices for a sustainable and resilient local material supply chain.

• The next stage of design for the new Kwinana Bulk Terminal.

• Commencement of marine geotechnical investigations in Cockburn Sound.
  READ MORE

Rising costs at Port Botany driving transporters to the edge

It is welcome that other industry groups are now joining the call for regulatory action on landside costs. Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have been active in this field for some years, seeking a mandatory code to regulate port-related fees, including those at empty container parks

Road Freight NSW has urged instant action to counter the rising costs of delivering to Port Botany and protect trucking businesses. Trucking businesses already running on tight margins are being pushed to the brink as the costs of doing business with ports rise exponentially, says Road Freight New South Wales CEO Simon O'Hara. READ MORE ( credit ATN magazine)

In this edition we examine the growing threat of counterfeit goods. With fake cargoes posing serious legal and financial risks, due diligence and vigilance are essential for transport professionals; as well as 

• Bulk Terminal Automation

• TT Brief : Abandoned Cargo

  READ MORE

Warehouse and Depot Security Identification Card (WADSIC)

Veritas offers a comprehensive solution for customs depots and warehouse license holders to meet their WADSIC compliance obligations. By using a dedicated WADSIC portal, authorised representatives can effectively manage their personnel as prescribed in both ACN 2022/46 and ACN 2024/21.READ MORE

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SEAFREIGHT

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AIRFREIGHT

Hobart Airport runway to be a boon for trade

A STRENGTHENED runway at Hobart Airport is set to increase trade ties between Tasmania and Asia via larger aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787.

Hobart Airport officially reopened this week with the new and improved runway unveiled.

Hobart Airport chief executive Norris Carter said upgraded runway meant "the sky's the limit" for both passengers and freight.

"We already have international flights to Auckland, and this upgraded runway now provides us the opportunity to take the airport to the next level and secure direct services to an Asian Hub such as Singapore or Hong Kong," Mr Carter said. READ MORE ( credit DCN - log in required)

Massive investment to be delivered for Western Sydney Airport road link

The New South Wales and federal governments are set to deliver a joint $1 billion upgrade package for an essential link to the Western Sydney International Airport. Design work is underway for the upgrades to Fifteenth Avenue in Sydney's south-west, with a contract awarded to WSP.

Key features of the upgrades will include a new four-lane carriageway, with two traffic lanes in each direction, new signalised intersections and dedicated turning lanes, and a land reservation for future expansion. READ MORE (story credit ATN magazine)

Please refer the Qantas Freight site for updates on operational matters. 

BIOSECURITY

Please click HERE to review the DAFF Biosecurity Report - sponsored by AIRWAY

Ensuring biosecurity operations are future ready

Monica Collins, First Assistant Secretary, Biosecurity Operations Division, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry authored an article in the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Across Borders 2025 Annual Review Magazine with an update on how we are ensuring Australia's biosecurity system is future ready.

As the head of Biosecurity Operations, Monica talks about the work underway to upscale the department's biosecurity workforce, uplift the digital platforms that underpin our biosecurity system, and how the division is planning for the future. READ MORE

BORDER

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TRADE

• Independent review of the EMDG program
• Tips for exporting gerontech to HK
• Aussie lamb cooking up exports to India

This issue includes an update on the progress of Round 4, a reminder about Round 3 milestone reports, the EMDG Independent Review, and a great way to grow your export expertise.
READ MORE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 12th August 2025

National ports, the Australian Bureau of statistics and data from other sources  
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Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 12th August 2025

FTA has compiled a list of Anti-Dumping Notices from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources 

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WEBINARS & RECORDINGS

Stay at the cutting edge through participation in live webinars and access to recordings – all are FREE & EXCLUSIVE to Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) members.     LOGIN REQUIRED 

31.7.2025:  Webinars & Recordings ...login required

Operational Support
For the timeliest response from our team, FTA / APSA members are reminded to send requests for operational support to support@FTAlliance.com.au

To select your communication preferences please click on "Update Subscription Preferences" at the bottom of any FTA notice -  READ MORE

SPONSORS

FTA and APSA are proud to connect members with the following sponsors as leading suppliers of services to the freight and trade sectors.

Sponsorship prospectus is available HERE