ALC stresses the need for targeted investment in freight infrastructure projects.

The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) says that the Infrastructure Priority List released recently by Infrastructure Australia (IA) highlights a continued need for targeted investment in freight infrastructure projects that will enhance supply chain efficiency and safety, and make Australia more internationally competitive.

"It is essential that Australia makes infrastructure investment decisions that are based on sound principles and evidence-based assessments regarding a project’s capacity to contribute to our economic strength, and liveability of our communities," says ALC chair Philip Davies.

"In the past, the Infrastructure Priority List has helped to build support for investment in critical freight infrastructure projects which are now being undertaken, including Western Sydney Airport, Inland Rail, the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal and, more recently, the Port Botany freight rail duplication, which was supported in the 2018 Federal Budget."

"It is especially pleasing to note this year’s list again includes the development of a National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy as a high priority initiative."

Davies calls for investments to upgrade Chullora Junction so as to enhance Sydney’s freight rail network, construct the North East Link in Melbourne, pursue a dedicated freight rail connection from Inland Rail to the Port of Brisbane, enhance capacity and traffic flows on the Mitchell and Kwinana Freeways in Perth, and complete the upgrade of the Adelaide North-South road corridor, among other projects.

"Australia must do everything possible to eliminate capacity constraints in our freight networks if we wish to succeed in an increasingly competitive global market," he adds. "Securing investment in these priority projects will help to deliver that outcome."