ALC releases final submission for freight strategy Inquiry

The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has released its final submission to the Inquiry into National Freight and Supply Chain Priorities: Freight Doesn’t Vote.
The submission makes 41 recommendations relating to all transport modes operating in the Australian freight logistics sector, as well as whole-of-industry issues.
“[The] ALC has long advocated for a National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy,” said Michael Kilgariff, Managing Director, ALC. “We are proud to release a comprehensive submission that clearly reflects industry’s priorities and offers practical suggestions for policy reform.
“The content of Freight Doesn’t Vote has been informed by an extensive process of industry engagement – including ALC Forum 2017 in March, dialogue with the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, and extensive consultations with members and the broader industry.
“The submission calls on the Commonwealth Government to play a greater role in protecting against urban encroachment and preserving critical freight transport corridors – a position that has also been endorsed by Infrastructure Australia (IA).
“It recommends reviewing a number of regulatory practices that inhibit the efficient movement of freight, such as curfews and bans on freight vehicles. It also identifies opportunities for the Federal Government to incentivise good planning practices and encourage the take-up of new technologies that can deliver better outcomes.
“The submission does not shy away from recommending initiatives that may be politically challenging – particularly around greater Commonwealth involvement in planning, as well as road pricing and investment reform.
“However, the reality is that Australia’s economy is being transformed by population growth, by technological change and by the changing behaviour of ever-more discerning and empowered consumers. Our supply chains must be equipped to deal with that reality.”
The full submission can be viewed on the ALC’s website.