“A FRAMEWORK to support trucking, shipping, rail and air cargo” is how transport minister Mark Bailey has described the Queensland Freight Strategy.
The document outlines a 10-year freight vision for the sunshine state and was announced by the government on Wednesday morning.
Mr Bailey said as Queensland grew, so too would the demand for freight.
“The Queensland Freight Strategy is the key starting point for government, industry and the entire state to make sure we continue to have an integrated and resilient freight system that benefits all Queenslanders,” Mr Bailey said.
“Over the next ten years, the volume of freight moving across Queensland will grow more than 20%, which it is why it’s critical we have a guiding document in place to drive our freight industry in the right direction.”
The freight strategy outlines five so-called pillars to address the challenges of freight in the sunshine state: Build Effective Partnerships, Unlock Economic Opportunity, Smarter Connectivity and Access, A Resilient Freight System and Safer Freight Movements.
“It’s said time and time again that without freight, Australia stops,” Mr Bailey said.
“This plan acknowledges just how important a role freight will play in ensuring the Palaszczuk government continues to deliver more jobs for all Queenslanders and our booming economy.”
Queensland Resources Council chief executive (and former federal Liberal resources minister) Ian Macfarlane said the competitiveness of Queensland’s economy relied on safe and efficient freight.
“From shipping bauxite around Cape York, to the Mount Isa line across the North West into Townsville and securing freight access to the Port of Brisbane – the success of Queensland’s resource exports relies on freight,” Mr Macfarlane said.
The Queensland Freight Strategy can be visited at: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/Transport-
Australian Logistics Council chief executive Kirk Coningham praised the release of the document.
“It is pleasing to see the Queensland Government recognise the impact that new technologies can have in addressing latent capacity challenges and improving the reliability of the freight network,” Mr Coningham said.
But Mr Coningham expressed concern Advancing Freight in Queensland failed to reference the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.
“To have a truly national, efficient and safe supply chain, the Queensland Government must work with the Commonwealth government to deliver the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy,” he said.
“The strategy released today also does not provide concrete funding announcements or a pipeline of infrastructure works. It is also disappointing the strategy fails to mention the rail connection between Acacia Ridge and the Port of Brisbane.”
