THE ADVISORY panel overseeing the development of the NSW Freight Policy Reform program has published a report containing its interim views on progressing freight reform in NSW.

The Freight Policy Report: Interim Directions report, published today (11 September), contains immediate actions to be undertaken by government and industry.

Its release also marks the opening of the second round of consultation ahead of the policy’s finalisation by the end of the year.

The Interim Directions report is step in a process that began in January with the announcement of the Freight Policy Reform program and its independent panel. The panel is led by Kerry Schott and includes Hermione Parsons and Lucio Di Bartolomeo.

The advisory panel, through the first round of consultation with industry stakeholders, received more than 120 submissions.

The NSW government said the panel has taken “a broad look at the industry”, with analysis showing freight volumes are estimated to increase by 26% across NSW between 2021 and 2041, with a 40% increase in Greater Sydney alone.

The Interim Directions paper focused on the end-to-end freight logistics chain. It considered decarbonisation, planning and protection of industrial land, skills shortages and the use of data and information to inform decision making.

The paper also makes recommendations on network issues such as pricing, infrastructure resilience and the future of ports, rail and road within the freight system. Specific actions include:

  • Addressing data gaps in freight movements to support future infrastructure investments.
  • Better planning for freight corridors and industrial spaces, including prioritising the final business case and planning for the Western Sydney Freight Line.
  • Enabling 600 metre rail shuttles between Port Botany and Sydney’s intermodals for more efficient freight movements.
  • The finalisation and implementation of the NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy to optimise use of the road network for modern heavy vehicles.
  • The improvement of access and coordination between rail networks, including an immediate review of the NSW Rail Access Undertaking.

“Thanks to the excellent work of the Freight Policy Reform advisory panel, we’re taking another step forward to help direct and finalise our plan for supporting efficient freight transport into the future,” NSW minister for transport Jo Haylen said.

“What the panel has recognised is the continued need to look at end-to-end freight transport as a whole system and not as individual modes, including making sure that freight considerations are central to transport planning, prioritisation and investment decisions.

“The panel’s recommendations will shape a reform agenda to address feedback from industry on skills shortages, rail access and integration across the freight system.”

The state government highlighted the panel’s endorsement of a package of 20 of 21 recommendations in the Willett Review of the Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy and Ports and Maritime Administration Act.

It said the recommendations to be considered by government are designed to improve turnaround times and congestion while processing container freight at Port Botany, designed to put a greater emphasis on incentives that reward port efficiency rather than focusing on poor performance.

Reforms are said to be designed to make processes around Port Botany smoother and easier for shipping lines, stevedores and landside and road and rail operators.

The government intends to now consider the Port Botany recommendations ahead of the final Freight Reform Policy.

“The Panel recognises a new approach is needed to continue to deliver safer and more connected transport while lowering emissions towards zero for both road and rail,” it said.

Consultation is continuing, with an information session to be held on Monday 23 September, with online submissions accepted until Wednesday 23 October 2024.

The Interim Directions paper is available here, and further information on the Transport for NSW website.