Following our previous article on the NSW Freight Policy Reform Program (‘Reform Program’), this article provides a major development for the NSW Freight Industry. On 18 April 2024, Transport for NSW published the Freight Policy Reform Program Consultation Paper (‘Consultation Paper’), outlining the scope and purpose of the Reform Program.
What does the consultation paper involve?
The Consultation Paper highlights the following areas of relevance with respect to the Reform Program:
- Present NSW freight landscape: An overview of the current freight chains and systems in NSW.
- Changing NSW freight landscape: An outline of key change drivers, including population growth, climate change and decarbonisation and technology.
- Strategic issues: A framework of key issues (present or emerging) for Government consideration.
- Discussion questions: A submission guide on consultation processes, guiding principles and policy.
How is the current and changing NSW freight landscape assessed?
The Consultation Paper outlines the current landscape of the NSW freight industry. This includes an assessment of imports/exports of NSW ports and the supporting rail network, interstate freight and government policy and regulation.
The consultation paper also highlights that the freight task in the future will be influenced by major factors. This includes population growth, changing workforce patterns, climate change policies and technological changes.
How does the consultation paper address strategic issues?
The Consultation Paper establishes strategic issues concerning the following matters:
- Entire freight logistics chain: Integrating links (e.g., ports) as part of independent logistics chains.
- Role of the Government: Ensuring that governments do not inhibit the flow of freight unless regarding a public policy outcome.
- Challenge of integration: Addressing challenges such as population growth, industrial land and land use planning, network resilience, etc.
- Industrial land, planning, infrastructure and workforce: Addressing issues surrounding strategic land use planning, freight industry workforce pathways and intermodal terminal infrastructure.
Submission process and dates
Guided by discussion questions within the Consultation Paper, submissions are due by Friday 31 May. Stakeholders may provide their feedback via survey or submission on the ‘Have your say’ website.
For any assistance related to the Reform Program, please contact Chris Mitchell and Larissa Buriak.
We will continue to monitor the Reform Program and keep you updated with further developments.
