THE NEW NSW Freight Transport Advisory Council has appointed 15 members and announced that it would be chaired by the former NSW minister for roads, maritime and freight Duncan Gay.

Announcing the new council in March, state minister for regional transport and roads Sam Farraway said the new council would would replace the Freight and Logistics Advisory Council (FLAC) and the Road Freight Industry Council (RFIC) and represent the entire freight chain across different transport modes as a single council.

“Freight is a priority for the NSW government and this council will be a place where members can exchange views and engage in frank and robust discussions directly with the Government,” Mr Farraway said.

“The new body will not only discuss freight and supply chain issues, but provide input into other government strategies, policies and projects. Industry insight will be critical to the success of our policy framework so we are looking for engaged leaders across the transport industry to be part of the new Council and invite them to lodge their interest.”

Mr Farraway said appointing Mr Gay as chair to the new body would give the group a wealth of experience.

“The new appointees come from a wide cross-section of industry, including road and rail bodies, intermodal operators, port representatives, couriers, retailers and producers,” Mr Farraway said.

“The new body will not only discuss freight and supply chain issues, but provide input into government strategies, policies and projects.

“The wealth of industry leadership and experience on the council will mean better outcomes for the freight sector, which is expected to increase by 28% to see 618 million tonnes moving across our state by 2036.”

Mr Gay welcomed his appointment and said, “I am honoured to be appointed as inaugural chair and look forward to giving the entire freight industry a united voice that will help inform NSW Government policy as freight demand continues to rise”.

Ports Australia CEO Michael Gallacher, one of the new appointees, congratulated the NSW government and Mr Farraway on creating a “holistic council that reflects the whole supply chain”.

“The NSW Freight Transport Advisory Council is imperative as we have seen increased demands on the supply chain over the past few years and an increased need for co-ordination and responsiveness,” Mr Gallacher said.

“The council will help inform the NSW government’s policy across the entire freight supply chain and give a voice to the sector.”

The new council will meet four times a year, with the first meeting to be held in June.

New appointees will remain on the Council for a term of two years.

The new appointees are:

  • Chair – Duncan Gay
  • Port of Newcastle – Craig Carmody 
  • National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) – Warren Clark 
  • Ron Crouch Transport – Geoffrey Crouch 
  • Woolworth Group – Rick Dani 
  • Qube – Paul Digney 
  • Ports Australia – Michael Gallacher 
  • Freight on Rail Group – Andrew Harding 
  • Namoi Cotton – Allan Neil Johns
  • DHL – Leslie Logue 
  • Livestock Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) – Paul Pulver 
  • Monidale VGL – Scott Walker 
  • Australasian Railway Association – Caroline Wilkie 
  • Australian Logistics Council – Brad Williams 
  • Road Freight NSW – Austin Vella