SUPPLY chain leaders and government representatives met in Brisbane this week to get to the bottom of some of the greatest industry pressures in 2023 and forge a way forward.
Presentations and panel discussions at the Australian Logistics Council Supply Chain Summit 2023 on 16 May followed the topic of “navigating the reality of Australia’s supply chains”.
The one-day event was loaded with ministerial addresses, keynote presentations and panels unpacking urban planning, workforce shortages, the Inland Rail and everything in between.
ALC chief of policy Sheena Fardell told DCN the industry learned a lot in light of a pandemic, geopolitical issues and weather disasters.
“To go with the reality is to understand what is happening now; the reality of what we’ve been through, the challenges that we face … We’ve learned a lot in the last 24 months,” Ms Fardell said.
She said some panel discussions gave valuable insights into how the industry needs to proceed.
“That, together with interactive participation from the audience, gave us an understanding of what government wants to see from us and how we can effectively communicate with them to express what we need.”
Minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government Catherine King positioned the industry in the workings of Australia with a virtual presentation. Ms King is currently attending a ministerial meeting in the US.
“Essential networks we rely on have been neglected for too long, and are increasingly vulnerable,” Ms King said.
“The roads we choose to build or maintain, the rail lines we choose to upgrade and the investments we make, they actually matter. And there is significant opportunity cost when we don’t make those investments.”
Australia’s ports and maritime sectors also came into focus at the ALC summit; NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas hosted a panel on land use efficiency and the need for enhanced urban planning to protect industrial lands and ensure Australia remains competitive in global markets.
“Almost every port in the world is under pressure from urban encroachment, but while other major cities such as Rotterdam and Antwerp have more than 30 square kilometres of industrially zoned land near their ports, Sydney has less than five,” she said.
“The greater the distance between the port and industrial areas, the greater the operational costs, traffic and carbon emissions.
“It is critical that land use policy protects what’s left of our industrial lands, while also providing for additional, well-serviced industrial zones to cater for the nation’s growing trade needs.”
The 2023 summit concluded with a gala dinner and awards ceremony, featuring a special fireside chat between ALC CEO Hermione Parsons and industry stalwart Maurice James.
DCN will include a full roundup of the ALC Supply Chain Summit 2023 in the upcoming June magazine edition.
