2026 CARE-FACTOR INDUSTRY CHARITY TRADE BALL 

2026 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING & LOGISTICS CONFERENCE

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

FTA/APSA Engage with Federal Treasury on Landside Costs & Competition Policy

Last week, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) engaged with Federal Treasury to zero in on the very real impacts of landside charges on Australian supply chains and how these costs are squeezing members and undermining competitiveness.

FTA/APSA took Treasury through the current market dynamics — from steep Terminal Access Charges and empty container park notification fees to the shortcomings of a voluntary pricing framework — reinforcing that unchecked landside costs are not a minor irritant but a broader structural issue for industry.

The discussion also canvassed international developments in shipping competition laws, noting that several jurisdictions are reassessing long-standing exemptions for liner shipping, and outlined FTA/APSA's view that Australia's approach to Part X should be reviewed — including the option of repeal.
READ MORE

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

2025-2026 FTA ONLINE CPD & CBC TRAINING PACKAGES

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

FTA / APSA - Latest Media Supporting Advocacy - Calls for Urgent Regulatory Reform

pricing — including the inflationary impacts flowing through supply chains, the erosion of export competitiveness, and the increasing disconnect between charges imposed and actual terminal investment or performance outcomes.. READ MORE

Freight & Trade Alliance have been collating data from various sources in relation to operating hours for service providers, shipping lines and government agencies over the coming Christmas / New Year period.

The information can be seen at the below link, however we remind all members to stay alert to notices from CargoWise / Containerchain and OneStop as well as monitoring the various web sites for changes to what has already been received. This list will be updated as more information comes to hand.

 READ MORE   
Changes / Additions received after 3 December will be highlighted as **NEW" each week

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

Notices:

LOGISTICS

Grain traders seek negotiation on container landside charges

Chief executive Pat O'Shannassy said the findings closely aligned with the experience of containerised grain exporters. "In our view, exporters should be able to contract directly with shipping lines for services, and shipping lines should then negotiate and contract landside services with stevedores and container parks, as they can apply commercial and operational pressure to ensure efficiency." READ MORE  (story credit DCN)

Fremantle Ports have provided FTA with details as regards (1) Sail;GP 2026 event and (2) maintenance programs for 2026. It would be recommended that members frequent themselves with the attached and below links so as to avoid any delays during these events.READ MORE
 

• Inner Harbour Maintenance Schedule 

• H Berth Maintenance Schedule

Port of Melbourne tests rail shuttle incentive

THE PORT of Melbourne is testing the waters, so to speak, to assess support for a possible incentive for importers to use the Port Rail Shuttle Network to shift containers from the port to the Intermodal Terminal Company's Melbourne Intermodal Terminal (MIT) at Somerton. 
The current proposal contemplates an offer of $100 per TEU and $200 per FEU for import containers moved by rail from the port to MIT. READ MORE ( story credit DCN)

First freight train welcomed at new Victorian intermodal terminal

The very first freight train has arrived at the newly constructed Somerton Intermodal Terminal in Victoria, marking a milestone in the delivery of the freight infrastructure project. 

At full capacity, the terminal will remove up to 500,000 truck trips from Melbourne roads each year, which is equivalent to 454 million truck kilometres, saving 451 million litres of fuel and reducing carbon emissions by 189,000 tonnes annually. READ MORE (story credit ATN Magazine)

Adelaide – Optimizing Stock Management in Adelaide – Effective 05th Jan 2026

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of export empty container releases, ANL/CMA-CGM are implementing below for all customers making bookings in Adelaide.

Effective Date: 05th January 2026
 

Moving forward, we kindly request that you specify your preferred depot location and required date at the time of booking to ensure smoother handling, accurate stock allocation, and faster processing times. READ MORE

Qube opens new Sydney reefer terminal

LOGISTICS giant Qube has opened the first stage of its new reefer terminal at Moorebank Intermodal Terminal in Sydney. Marking another step in the evolution of Qube's IMEX terminal within the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct, the reefer terminal holds 220 slots.

Qube Logistics general manager for NSW Jack Moore said on Monday (8 December) the company was delighted to officially declare the new reefer terminal officially open for business. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Construction begins on Australia's largest and most advanced logistics terminal

The first sod has been turned at the $1.62 billion Beveridge Intermodal Precinct in Melbourne's north, marking construction of Australia's largest and most advanced logistics hub.

The site is located at the southern terminus of the inland rail freight corridor, with key approvals now in place and site preparation works to begin.

Main construction will start early next year, with the federal government saying the open access precinct will reduce freight costs, ease road congestion and boost supply chain efficiency and competition. READ MORE (story credit ATN magazine)

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

Port of Brisbane launches scholarship fund for First Nations students

FIRST Nations students will have a new source of support thanks to a partnership between Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) and The University of Queensland (UQ). From 2026, PBPL will support up to eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, with a focus on environmental management and engineering – specialist fields central to the work of the Port.

PBPL CEO Neil Stephens said the Port of Brisbane Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Fund reflects the Port's ongoing commitment to reconciliation and will create meaningful opportunities to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

It's been a busy year at the Tribunal. This issue of In focus is a testament to that, highlighting some of our latest work to improve the experience of our users.

Below you can read about the latest Guidance and Appeals Panel decisions, new caseload statistics, and updated processing times for migration and protection reviews. You can also find out how to reach us over the holiday period. READ MORE

Looking ahead to 2026, an ongoing focus for the NHVR will be implementing changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). We have been working closely with the National Transport Commission, state and territory governments and industry stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. You can read more about the work we are doing on the HVNL changes on our website here. Also of interest may be the updated to the Master Code in 2026 to help manage CoR - READ MORE

From practical and insightful presentations to an array of networking and social events, there is something for everyone, including a Gala Dinner in the stunning wine tunnels at Penfolds Magill Estate. READ MORE   - BOOK HERE

Notices:

SEA FREIGHT

The Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) is the designated peak shipper body granted status by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport under Part X of the Consumer & Competition Act to represent the interests of Australian shippers generally in relation to liner cargo shipping services. The following notice has been received and is available to members' reference.

16.12.2025 : Part X: Notice of the Happening of an Affecting Event - for China to Australia inwards and outwards service
 

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

Notices:

AIR FREIGHT

FTA / APSA Submission in response to the Brisbane Airport 2026 Master Plan

Brisbane Airport plays a vital role in supporting Queensland's exporters, importers and time-critical supply chains. With growing freight demand, population growth and the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is essential that freight is positioned as a core strategic priority within the Master Plan.  READ MORE

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

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

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

Welcome to the final edition of Agribusiness & Food News for 2025. We wish you all the best for the festive season and we look forward to bringing you more insights and events next year. In this issue;

• Success for Maquis Macadamias at the 63rd Australian Export Awards

• Livestreaming turbocharges e-commerce in China

• Tips on selling packaged food and beverage products in Indonesia

• Initiative to boost Australian melon exports to the Gulf Region
  READ MORE

Notices:

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 16th December 2025

National ports, the Australian Bureau of statistics and data from other sources  

LOGIN REQUIRED

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 16th December 2025

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

Notices:

BORDER

Sydney man charged over air cargo drug import

The packages were bound for homes in southwest Sydney. The consignment contained packages labelled as mashed potato packets, ink cartridges and coffee machine parts.
READ MORE  (story credit DCN)

Notices:

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 

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

Training, Finance & Events Enquiries
For the timeliest response from our team, FTA / APSA members are reminded to send training, finance, events and general administration enquiries to Training@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