Moving more freight by rail, road at night is an option for the NSW Government. Photo: photographylke/pixabay.com
The NSW Government says it will look into greater night rail and road freight movement after releasing a freight policy review.
The government believes the freight sector will create an extra 235,000 workers and add $131.5 billion to the NSW economy by 2061.
It released a Delivering Freight Policy Reform report, led by Dr Kerry Schott, that spells out a roadmap of short, medium and long-term actions to better integrate freight into state and interstate transport networks.
The government accepted the report’s recommendations and went further; it asked that Dr Schott study the pros and cons of moving more freight at night on road and rail networks, and at terminals and distribution facilities.
NSW Transport Minister John Graham says government “is determined” to see the freight sector “reach its potential”.
“Freight arrives at our biggest ports but moves through all our neighbourhoods on the road and rail network,” he says.
“Preparing those networks for the drivers of change to freight, especially population growth and technological change, is a big task. This report sets a roadmap to guide us.
“I am seeking further review of opportunities for increasing freight movement during off-peak periods, particularly through the night.”
REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
- A freight master plan for an integrated and long-term approach.
- Boost the competitiveness of rail freight.
- Recognise Port Botany as the main container port for the state.
- Draw up an action plan to secure more freight/industrial land.
- Get government help to recruit more workers, especially heavy vehicle and train drivers, and seafarers.
The state’s freight sector is now worth $74bn and employs 330,000 people, according to Transport for NSW data.
The review identified dozens of short to long term actions, from changing port policy for container terminals to recruitment.
Dr Schott’s report took note of a separate government review of Glebe Island Port and the Bays precinct ahead of a planned Metro station link to Parramatta, the city centre and Inner West.
It noted that any freight use for Glebe Island would make the presence of homes unsustainable.
(The full report can be found on the Freight Policy Reform Program web page)
