NSW’s journey towards freight reform begins

The NSW Government has announced policy reform program to address the key issues facing the freight industry in NSW.

The program will deliver prioritised and practical policy reform focused on the key current and emerging challenges facing the NSW freight task.

It will be led by Transport for NSW under the leadership of an Independent Advisory Panel of eminent experts all who have deep experience in the freight and logistics sector reporting to the Minister who will assist in the development of a new freight strategy for the State. 

The panel will consist of:

• Kerry Schott AO
• Lucio Di Bartolomeo
• Hermione Parsons

This policy reform will focus on the different parts of the supply chain, with ports, rail, road and intermodal facilities all considered as part of a coordinated supply chain to determine the right policy framework to optimise safety, sustainability and productivity.

A more productive freight sector makes it easier for businesses to operate and can also deliver lower retail prices for customers right across NSW.

Immediate priorities for the panel will include consideration of the determination of compensation to be paid by the Port of Newcastle for increasing container operations as part of NSW port policy.

The panel will also review and consult with industry on the recommendations made by Mr Ed Willett’s review of the port regulatory framework and the regulation of the movement of containers at Port Botany

The program will identify short, medium and long-term actions for Government to support the ongoing improvement of freight transport across NSW.

The freight task in NSW is a complex and evolving with a need to respond to advances in technology and a move toward net zero emissions, the ongoing development of major infrastructure, the changing ports landscape, national harmonisation policies and global trade fluctuations.

The Freight Reform Program will deliver a comprehensive strategic reform agenda to optimise freight transport to benefit NSW communities.

There will be comprehensive stakeholder consultation undertaken as part of this program. It is intended that the first phase will follow release of a Discussion Paper and is expected to occur in the first quarter of this year. 

For more information on the reform go to: transport.nsw.gov.au/freight-reform.