Tasmanian leaders asked to set out freight priorities

The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has written to Tasmania’s Premier, Will Hodgman. and the Leader of the Opposition, Rebecca White, ahead of the 3 March state election, asking them to outline their policies and priorities for Tasmania’s freight logistics industry, building on the Tasmanian Integrated Freight Strategy released in April 2016.

“As an industry leader on freight and supply chain policy issues, ALC is committed to

working with governments at all levels to ensure our supply chains operate efficiently and safely,” said ALC Managing Director, Michael Kilgariff.

“Recent figures confirm that Tasmania’s population growth is now occurring at its fastest rate in six years. That makes its vital for governments to act now, so that Tasmania’s freight logistics infrastructure is able to service growing demand in the years ahead.”

“As an island state, Tasmania’s geography imposes unique challenges in making certain the national freight network can interface efficiently with the state’s freight transport infrastructure. obtaining greater efficiencies can help to reduce freight costs – something that is particularly important for Tasmanians.

“This is why ALC has sought assurances from both leaders that if they are successful on 3 March, they will cooperate closely with the Federal Government on the development of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.

“ALC has also sought a commitment from both parties that they are committed to working with the Commonwealth to deliver a second $119.6 million tranche of funding for the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program (TFRRP).

“Part of the existing TFRRP funding is being directed towards the Hobart to Burnie corridor – a critical corridor for the Tasmanian freight logistics industry, and a guarantee of support for the second tranche would help provide certainty for industry. The Premier has already replied to ALC confirming his Government is committed to delivering the second tranche, and industry would welcome a similar commitment from the Opposition.

“ALC has also asked the leaders to outline their plans for dealing with other crucial supply chain issues, including congestion in urban areas, a corridor protection strategy to protect key freight corridors against the impact of urban encroachment, and ensuring the regulation of Tasmania’s freight transport infrastructure affords our industry the flexibility it needs to operate 24/7.

“Effectively dealing with all of these challenges will be critical to meeting a freight task that is rapidly growing due to Tasmania’s growing population and economic expansion,” he said.