The Australian Transport and Infrastructure Council has affirmed the critical role the freight sector plays in providing essential supplies of food, medicine or other goods.
The Council consists of transport, infrastructure and planning ministers from the Commonwealth, States and Territories, and the Australian Local Government Association convened on Wednesday 25 March to discuss the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) currently being experienced by Australia’s transport sector.
“We, Australia’s Transport and Infrastructure Ministers, wanted to reassure Australians that supporting freight movements and supply of goods to individuals, businesses and service providers is a high priority for all governments,” Council ministers said in a collective statement on Wednesday.
“Our freight and logistics sector starts at the border via our maritime and aviation routes. We then use rail and trucks to move substantial quantities of goods throughout the country, from ports and airports to the doors of individuals, businesses, and service providers,” Council ministers said.
Ministers also affirmed recognition of the importance of all members of the freight distribution chain, from drivers, pilots, and engineers and others who support them, including those in the back-office working out rostering and logistics.
Some State and Territory Governments have introduced additional border control arrangements to manage the unique challenges occurring in those jurisdictions.
Council ministers said all jurisdictions where restrictions are in place have provided exemptions to these measures to ensure Australia’s supply chains are maintained.
Dean Dalla Valle, Freight on Rail Group (FORG) of Australia chair said single-stacked interstate goods train can haul 260 shipping containers, thereby helping to free-up hundreds of truck drivers each week to focus on delivering goods and products the remaining ‘last mile’ from warehouses to stores where consumers need shelves restocked.
He said a single shipping container can hold approximately 25,000 toilet paper rolls, 55,000 food cans or 1,500 cases of beer.
“Without freight trains, bulk exports like grain, meat, fresh and dry produce, cotton and coal cannot be efficiently hauled to ports, the gateways to global markets,” Dean said.
“Paddock to port, pit to port, or manufacturing plant to port – essential rail freight services stretch across state borders, servicing finely-tuned supply chains across our continent.”
Paul Zalai, FTA director said FTA will be engaging with the newly formed National Covid-19 Coordination Commission to reinforce the specific details outlined by state and federal governments.
Paul said biosecurity compliance is even more important than ever during these challenging times.
“The last thing we need is an imported pest infestation that would decimate our agriculture industry on top of a pandemic,” he said.
“The entire international supply chain is fragile at the best of times, removing or limiting the capabilities of one link is not an option.”
“All governments are working together, along with industry and regulators such as the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, to ensure that any unnecessary barriers to freight movement are minimised,” Council ministers said.
“We want to thank all those Australians involved in the freight industry who are serving Australia so diligently despite the challenges we face.”
.png){kind=logo}
.jpeg)
.jpg)
