The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has welcomed a speech by the Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge, which highlights the need for Commonwealth leadership in driving better planning outcomes and reducing road congestion as Australia’s population grows.
“The Minister’s address today is consistent with ALC’s long-stated view that the Commonwealth Government needs to be more active in long-term planning for infrastructure as our population grows,” said ALC Chair, Philip Davies.
“It is evident that road congestion is having an increasingly detrimental impact on the quality of life in Australia’s cities.
“It is just as important that policy makers recognise the impact that congestion has on the efficiency and safe movement of freight through our supply chains. Ultimately, the rising costs incurred as a result of congestion are paid by Australian consumers.
“Infrastructure Australia has previously projected that the cost of congestion in Australia could rise to $53 billion a year by 2031 unless we take action.
“This means we need to think more strategically than we may have in the past about population and settlement policy. The Minister’s remarks today are an encouraging start, and ALC looks forward to seeing further details of the Government’s population policy in the coming weeks.
“At the same time, it will be critical to ensure the nation’s freight logistics infrastructure is developed in a way that allows Australia to meet its growing freight task, through the development of a comprehensive National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.
“ALC again encourages the Commonwealth Government to use this Strategy to foster greater national consistency in planning outcomes, particularly around corridor protection and land-use planning.
“Only by improving Australia’s approach on these key issues can we be confident of creating truly liveable cities into the future, while also ensuring freight logistics operators have the 24/7 operational flexibility they need to meet consumer expectations, and support continued export growth.”
Related stories:
- Infrastructure Australia gives Gawler and Ballarat line upgrades green light
- ALC launches Electric Vehicles Working Group
- Outgoing Infrastructure Australia CEO joins Deloitte