The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) today confirmed it has written to Victoria’s Premier, Daniel Andrews, and the Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy, ahead of the 24 November state election, asking them to outline their policies and priorities for Victoria’s freight logistics industry.

“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’s Interim CEO, Lachlan Benson.

“Population and planning are clearly major issues in the campaign, given the rapid growth Victoria has experienced in recent years. In considering these matters, it is important that governments consider not only the movement of people, but also the movement of freight.

“This is why ALC has sought assurances from both leaders that if they are successful on 24 November, they will cooperate closely with the Federal Government on the development of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.

“We have also sought an assurance from both parties that they will commit to implementing the updated Victorian Freight Plan, Delivering The Goods, released in July this year.

“That Plan contains a number of initiatives that are crucially important to the freight logistics industry, particularly around incentivising the uptake of telematics in heavy vehicles, addressing last-mile restrictions on deliveries in urban areas and the more effective use of data to monitor and measure supply chain performance.

“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 any current and future regulation of Victoria’s freight transport infrastructure affords our industry the flexibility it needs to operate 24/7.

“It has been pleasing to note some commitments have already been made to address these issues, including the Government’s provision of $25.7 million for the Port Rail Shuttle Network to help reduce road congestion, bipartisan support for the West Gate Tunnel Project and the North East Link, and the Opposition’s commitment to build the East West Link.

“However, further infrastructure investments and reforms to planning processes will be required to address congestion, grow port rail mode share and permit freight vehicles and terminals the operational scope they need to meet business and consumer expectations around rapid deliveries.

“Effectively dealing with all of these challenges will be critical to meeting a freight task that is rapidly growing as a result of Victoria’s expanding population,” he said.