The Queensland Government has released its 10-year vision for the state’s freight industry, which provides a framework to address challenges in the sector.
Five key goals are outlined in the Queensland Freight Strategy: Building effective partnerships, unlocking economic opportunity, smarter connectivity and access, ensuring the freight system is resilient, and improving safety.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said as the state grows, so too will the demand for trucking, shipping, rail and air cargo.
“The Queensland Freight Strategy is the key starting point for government, industry and the entire state to make sure we continue to have an integrated and resilient freight system that benefits all Queenslanders,” Bailey said.
“Over the next ten years, the volume of freight moving across Queensland will grow more than 20 per cent, which it is why it’s critical we have a guiding document in place to drive our freight industry in the right direction.
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“We have worked extensively with key stakeholders on a clear vision for Queensland’s freight system that provides certainty and a path forward for one of the most diverse and geographically challenging industries in the country,” he said.
Queensland Resources Council’s (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the competitiveness of the state’s export economy relied on safe and efficient freight systems.
“Queensland’s freight systems are the arteries of our economy and the Queensland Freight Strategy maps out how to keep those systems in tip-top shape,” Macfarlane said.
“QRC congratulates Minister Bailey and his Department on their high-quality consultation process, with stakeholders, communities and unions all at the table.
“From shipping bauxite around Cape York, to the Mount Isa line across the North West into Townsville and securing freight access to the Port of Brisbane – the success of Queensland’s resource exports relies on freight.”