Progress report
Introduction to this report
This report provides an update on initiatives identified in jurisdictions’ National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy implementation arrangements, endorsed by Infrastructure and Transport Ministers in November 2019. Click here to view jurisdictional implementation plans. The initiatives are grouped by action areas outlined in the Strategy and National Action Plan, namely:
Smarter and targeted infrastructure investment | Enable improved supply chain efficiency | Better planning, regulation and coordination | Better freight location and performance data |
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1.1 Ensure that domestic and international supply chains are serviced by resilient and efficient key freight corridors, precincts and assets | 2.1 Adopt and implement national and global standards, and support common platforms, to reduce transaction costs and support interoperability along supply chains | 3.1 Ensure freight demand is integrated in transport and land use planning across and between jurisdiction boundaries and freight modes | 4.1 Develop an evidence-based view of key freight flows and supply chains and their comparative performance to drive improved government and industry decision-making, investment and operations |
1.2 Provide regional and remote Australia with infrastructure capable of connecting regions and communities to major gateways, through land links, regional airports or coastal shipping | 2.2 Promote training and re-skilling of industry and government workforces appropriate to current and future needs | 3.2 Strengthen the consideration of freight in all other government planning and decision-making | |
1.3 Identify and support digital infrastructure and communication services necessary for improved and innovative supply chains | 2.3 Facilitate new and innovative technologies that improve freight outcomes and understand the deployment, skills and workforce requirements for operators and infrastructure | 3.3 Investigate policy, planning and operational solutions to improve freight access and movement along domestic and international supply chains | |
1.4 Advance heavy vehicle road reform to facilitate efficient investment in infrastructure | 2.4 Build community acceptance of freight operations | 3.4 Improve regulation to be more outcomes focused and risk-based to support innovation and reduce regulatory burden whilst maintaining safety, security and sustainability |
Where initiatives span action areas, they are included in full in the first action area and then referenced in subsequent places. Where initiatives cover multiple jurisdictions, they are included in full in the first jurisdiction listed. Western Australia released an updated plan in April 2020 outlining more government and industry actions following industry consultation. This annual progress report includes progress on actions identified in Western Australia’s latest implementation plan.
No. | Initiative | Jurisdiction | Timeframe | Progress | |
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1.1 | 1 | National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework - Freight Resilience Pilot Project | Cth | Completed | The pilot project concluded in June 2020. The pilot validated the need for a national capability as a foundational element for implementing the National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework and showed a clear dividend from Australian asset owner, supply chain entities, communities and businesses having better decision-ready information and advice including to inform strategic infrastructure investment. Lessons learnt from the pilot will inform the design of a national capability to provide industry, government and the community with the information and guidance needed to make risk-informed decisions to improve Australia’s resilience. |
1.1 | 2 | Australian Government Infrastructure Investment Program | Cth | 2019-2030 | The Australian Government is continuing to deliver the Infrastructure Investment Program. The program is a long-term commitment to build the transport infrastructure Australia needs to meet the challenges of a fast growing population, while improving safety and productivity. Over 160 major Australian Government funded projects are either underway or under construction, with the majority of these projects jointly funded by state and territory governments. These projects are expected to support up to 85,000 direct and indirect jobs over their lifetime. |
1.1 | 3 | Port Botany Rail Line Duplication - $400 million | Cth; NSW | 2019-2024 | During the 2019-20 financial year, the Australian Rail Track Corporation sought expressions of interest and publicly exhibited its Environmental Impact Statement. Request for tenders are forecast to be issued mid-2020, construction site mobilisation mid-2021, and major works underway early 2022, with project completion scheduled for mid-2024. |
1.1 | 4 | Major Project Business Case Fund - $250 million | Cth | 2019 - 2030 | Over $220 million has been allocated to 23 business cases. The Australian Government is working closely with state and territory governments to progress these business cases. |
1.1 | 5 | Melbourne Port Rail Shuttle - $58 million (Cth: $38 million, Vic: $20 million) | Cth; Vic | 2017 - 2023 | The full $58 million has been awarded to Austrak, SCT Logistics and Salta Properties for works to upgrade rail access to their intermodal terminals at Somerton, Altona and Dandenong South respectively. The port rail shuttle network is expected to be operational in late 2023. The Australian and Victorian Governments are investing $58 million to support the development of a Port Rail Shuttle Network in Melbourne. The network will connect freight terminals in Melbourne’s north, west and south east to on-dock rail at the Port of Melbourne for moving freight on rail. The $58 million budget is to support a program that will provide successful private sector freight operators and developers with capital contributions, which will be used to deliver capital works and rail infrastructure at their intermodal terminals to establish port rail shuttle operations. Capital works and rail infrastructure on public land will be funded by government grants while works on private land will be funded by private sector capital co-investments. Agreement has been reached on connecting the suburban intermodal terminals; these projects have commenced and are in the design phase. The port rail shuttle network is expected to be operational in late 2023. |
1.1 | 6 | Development of Inland Rail terminals in Melbourne and Brisbane - $20 million | Cth; Vic; Qld | 2019 - 2022 | Joint business cases are underway with the Australian, Victorian and Queensland Governments for intermodal terminals to support Inland Rail in Melbourne and Brisbane respectively. The business cases are considering terminal locations, connections, market access/operating models, and financing options as well as value capture opportunities. The Melbourne business case is expected to be completed late 2020. The Brisbane business case is expected to be completed mid-2022. |
1.1 | 7 | Urban Congestion Fund - $4.8 billion | Cth | 2019 - 2030 | As part of the 2019-20 Mid-year Economic Forecast and Outlook, the Australian Government made an administrative change to include eighteen projects ($640 million), announced and funded earlier as part of the Urban Congestion Fund. Following this change, funding is $4.8 billion with approximately $3.8 billion already allocated to 185 projects. The Australian Government has been working with states and relevant local governments to progress projects. Construction is complete on eight projects, six projects are underway and planning is well advanced on a large number of projects. |
1.1 | 8 | Roads of Strategic Importance - $4.5 billion | Cth; State Government | 2018 - 2030 | Following an initial period of analysis and consultation, the Australian Government is working closely with state, territory and local governments as the program enters the first phase of project prioritisation and construction focusing on:
Three projects have been completed and six are currently under construction. Subject to the conclusion of planning processes and in some cases approval by government, 29 projects are expected to commence works before the end of December 2020. By the end of December 2020, construction is expected to be underway or have projects completed across half of the 26 Roads of Strategic Importance corridors. |
1.1 | 9 | Bridges Renewal Program | Cth | 2015 - 2023 | The Bridges Renewal Program continues to support resilient and efficient key freight corridors, precincts and assets through increased load limits on bridges and other improvements to freight movements. Since 2015, more than 500 projects have been supported. Round 5 proposals are currently being assessed and the Australian Government expects to fund up to $150 million in bridge improvements. |
1.1 | 10 | Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program | Cth | 2013 - 2023 | The Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program directly targets investments in improved freight efficiencies. Since 2013, more than 220 projects have been supported. Round 7 proposals are currently being assessed and the Australian Government expects to fund up to $150 million in safety and productivity improvements for heavy vehicle operations. |
1.1 | 11 | Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport - $3.3 billion | Cth | 2017 - 2026 | Progress with construction of the airport is continuing with tenders being progressively let and contracts executed for earthworks, airside works, landside works and the building of the terminal. The airport will have capacity to handle 220,000 tonnes per annum of air freight. The airport is on track to open by December 2026. |
1.1 | 12 | Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan - $3.3 billion | Cth; NSW | 2014 - 2025 | The Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan is delivering major road infrastructure upgrades to support the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) airport. Upgrades are well underway with:
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1.1 | 13 | Moorebank Intermodal Terminal | Cth | 2012 - 2030 | Delivery of works to establish the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct, including planning for the Moorebank Avenue Realignment, continues to progress. The completion of the rail connection from the precinct to the Southern Sydney Freight Line allowed the commencement of operations at the Import-Export Terminal on 1 November 2019. This milestone also included the opening of the first warehouse, leased to retailer Target, which was followed in early 2020 with occupation by a range of other tenants, including iPlex and Caesarstone Australia. In June 2020, Qube announced that a major distribution centre for retailer Woolworths would occupy about 20 per cent of the available Moorebank Precinct West warehouse land. |
1.1 | 14 | Southern Sydney Freight Line | NSW | 0 - 2 years | This project involves the amplification of the Southern Sydney Freight Line through the construction of a passing loop at Cabramatta to support operations at Moorebank Intermodal Terminal. The project is currently in progress and is subject to final business case. |
1.1 | 15 | Outer Sydney Orbital | NSW | 5 - 10 years | Outer Sydney Orbital is a freight rail line and motorway linking the North West and South West Growth Areas, connecting with the Western Sydney Airport Growth Area and future employment lands. The corridor protection project is currently in progress with the corridor being identified. |
1.1 | 16 | Western Sydney Freight Line | NSW | 5 - 10 years | The project is about freight rail connections to serve the Western Sydney Airport Growth Area, connecting Port Botany to Western Sydney and Western NSW via the Southern Sydney Freight Line and supporting the movement of container and bulk freight by rail across Greater Sydney. The first stage has been preserved (gazettal in June 2020) and will protect the corridor for a dedicated freight rail line between the future Outer Sydney Orbital at Luddenham, through to the M7 at Horsley Park. Stage 2 of the Western Sydney Freight Line is currently under investigation and will be identified to provide a link to the Southern Sydney Freight Line and Port Botany. |
1.1 | 17 | Lower Hunter Freight Corridor | NSW | 5 - 10 years | Transport for New South Wales is currently undertaking preliminary investigations to assess options for the Lower Hunter Freight Corridor which will enable a future dedicated freight rail line to be constructed between Fassifern and Hexham, bypassing Newcastle while improving regional and interstate links. |
1.1 | 18 | Sydney Airport Road Upgrades | NSW | 0 - 2 years | This project will upgrade roads around Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport and remove the General Holmes Drive level crossing by constructing a road underpass. The project is currently in progress. |
1.1 | 19 | Sydney Gateway | NSW | 3 - 5 years | This project will develop a link between West-Connex at St Peters Interchange and the Sydney Airport and Port Botany precinct, improving freight connectivity between Port Botany and the strategic motorway network. The project is currently in progress with procurement activities currently underway for design and construction and the ‘assessment’ stage of planning prior to determination. |
1.1 | 20 | Pacific Highway Improvements | NSW | 0 - 2 years | Complete the Coffs Harbour Bypass project on the Pacific Highway. This project is currently in progress with the Coffs Harbour bypass project Submissions Report and Amendment Report currently being available for public viewing. The NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces will then determine project approval and identify any conditions of approval which will apply to the project. Following the NSW decision, the Australian Government Minister for the Environment will need to issue a separate approval for the project. Geotechnical investigations and survey works are continuing. Early construction, including property noise treatments and utilities relocation, is expected to start late 2020. |
1.1 | 21 | Easing Sydney's Congestion | NSW | Ongoing | This action will deliver projects to improve freight flows and increase capacity across the Sydney Metropolitan Network. There are a number of key initiatives/programs that are currently in progress, including the Pinch Point program with the NSW Government committing over $825 million to fixing pinch points across Sydney’s road network. The Pinch Point Programs aim to reduce traffic delays, manage congestion and improve travel times on Sydney’s major roads, particularly during weekday peak periods. |
1.1 | 22 | Capacity upgrade to Foreshore Road at Port Botany and investigation of truck-only lanes in the port precinct | NSW | 3 - 5 years | The federal and state funded large-scale investigation of a link from Port Botany to Kingsford Smith Airport has not yet commenced. The scope and extent of the work is currently under investigation. |
1.1 | 23 | Newell Highway Upgrades | NSW | 5 - 10 years | This project involves upgrades to the Newell Highway including safety infrastructure upgrades and capacity improvements and investigation of where a Performance Based Standards (PBS) 3A vehicle access can be increased in the vicinity of the Newell Highway to support Inland Rail. Project is currently in progress and will be funded by the NSW Government ($520 million) and the Australian Government ($400 million). A further $300 million of Australian Government Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) funding has been enlisted to assist with missing links to align the Newell Highway Corridor to freight and port hubs, which will ensure that key freight roads efficiently connect agricultural and mining regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs. |
1.1 | 24 | M1, Hexham, Raymond Terrace Upgrades | NSW | 5 - 10 years | This project would upgrade strategic freight routes connections between the New England Highway, M1 Pacific Motorway through to the Pacific Highway at Black Hill and Raymond Terrace. It is currently in progress with funding received and planning continuing. |
1.1 | 25 | Developing and updating regional and District Plans | NSW | Ongoing | This initiative is ongoing as Transport for NSW will continue to ensure that freight and logistics are considered in land use discussions, particularly around important trade gateways such as Port Botany, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Airport, the Western Sydney Airport and Newcastle Port.
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1.1 | 26 | Western Sydney Fuel Pipeline to the Western Sydney Airport | NSW | 10+ years | The Western Sydney Fuel Pipeline to the Western Sydney Airport project includes evaluating options for transporting other bulk liquids by pipeline to maximise the value of proposed the infrastructure. Currently Transport for NSW is undertaking preliminary work to identify route options for the fuel pipeline corridor that will connect with Western Sydney Airport and surrounds. Transport for NSW has commissioned research to determine the most effective and sustainable approach in delivering the pipeline, while minimising the impact of construction on the community and the environment. |
1.1 | 27 | West Gate Tunnel | Vic; Industry | 2018 - 2023 | Work is progressing on widening the West Gate Freeway, building the city connections and on the tunnel portals. Project parties are working on a solution for tunnel soil disposal ahead of tunnel boring commencing. Transurban has announced that is expecting to complete the project in 2023. |
1.1 | 28 | Western Interstate Freight Terminal | Cth; Vic | 2018 - 2025 | Development of a detailed business case co-funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2020 for the consideration of governments on funding and next steps.
See also the Major Project Business Case Fund at initiative 4. |
1.1 | 29 | North East Link | Cth; Vic | 2019 - 2027 | Major construction works for the North East Link are expected to start early in 2021 with the road opening to traffic in 2027. In 2020 construction begins to move around 100 above and below ground services including power, water, gas, sewer and telecommunications lines to enable development of the North East Link. The successful project design team and design proposal to expected to be announced in late 2020. |
1.1 | 30 | Smart Motorways | Cth; Qld | Ongoing | Queensland continues to invest and deploy Smart Motorways technologies on key motorway road corridors in the south east Queensland road network.
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1.1 | 31 | Toowoomba Wellcamp and Cairns Airports Regional Airport Distribution Centre Pilots | Qld | 2018 - 2022 | The Queensland Government sought expressions of interest offering $10 million from the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund to support construction of regional trade distribution centres. Two proponents, Wagner Holdings Ltd and Air Freight Handling Services, were selected to receive initial funding to develop business cases for the Toowoomba Wellcamp and Cairns airports. Both business cases demonstrated viability and received offers of capital support. Support for construction is being provided under assistance agreements. The Toowoomba Wellcamp Trade Distribution Centre has received development approval and earthworks are underway. The facility is expected to be operational in 2021. Export volumes have increased during the COVID-19 emergency as the airport received increased dedicated freight flights to meet demand. Exporters in Far North Queensland have experienced significant business disruption since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Queensland is working closely with Air Freight Handling Services to position the distribution centre to respond quickly to economic recovery and demand for fresh exports. |
1.1 | 32 | Central Queensland Inland Port (Yamala Hub) | Qld | Ongoing | Central Highlands Regional Council received $4.415 million in Queensland Government funding through the Building our Regions program towards the construction of a 1.5 kilometre rail siding, upgrade of the Bonnie Doon Road and Capricorn Highway intersection, upgrade to Bonnie Doon Road and an industrial access road within the area. The Council was recently approved a further $290,000 under Round 5 of Building our Regions towards delivery of a business case and detailed design for the provision of raw and potable water to the area. |
1.1 | 33 | Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program | Qld | 2019 - 2023 | The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2019–20 to 2022–23 ensures that a pipeline of projects continues in the future, particularly in regional Queensland. The Program includes $23 billion of works over the coming four years and will support an estimated 21,500 direct jobs over the life of the program. Of this, approximately $14.5 billion has been allocated to projects in regional Queensland that will support an estimated 13,720 direct jobs over the life of the program. |
1.1 | 34 | Toowoomba Bypass | Qld | Completed | In September 2019 the $1.6 billion Toowoomba Bypass was commissioned. The Toowoomba Bypass is 41 kilometres long, connecting the Warrego Highway at Helidon Spa to the Gore Highway at Athol, via Charlton. The bypass is primarily a freight route which has been designed and built to accommodate larger heavy vehicles (type 1 road trains, B-Triples and PBS Level 3 heavy vehicles). It offers truck operators more options to configure their freight movements providing increased freight efficiencies and significant cost savings along this key regional freight route. |
1.1 | 35 | Agtech and Logistics Hub in Toowoomba | Qld | 2020 | As an immediate action of the Building our Innovation Economy – Advance Queensland Strategy, the Queensland Government is contributing $3.3 million towards the establishment and operation of a new Agtech and Logistics Hub in Toowoomba. The hub will bring together industry, start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, researchers and training providers, and leverage the existing ecosystem and infrastructure, to solve industry’s challenges and grow start up opportunities through innovation. Tenders for the opportunity to establish and operate the hub close on 23 July 2020, with the hub anticipated to commence operations in September 2020. |
1.1 | 36 | Bruce Highway Upgrade Program | Qld; Cth | 2013 - 2028 | The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program continues to be delivered by the Queensland Government. The program is a 15-year, $12.6 billion program being delivered between 2013 and 2028. The program expenditure in 2019–20 was $860 million. The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program continues to deliver major capital projects designed to improve flood immunity at key crossings. The Bruce Highway Link Flood Study, completed in 2020, has become a key document for future planning. With projects delivered to date, the Pine River to Gympie link has seen a 4 per cent reduction in annual exceedance probability. |
1.1 | 37 | Warrego Highway, Gateway Motorway and Pacific Motorway upgrades | Cth; Qld | Ongoing | Work continues to progress on projects committed on the Warrego Highway, Gateway Motorway and Pacific Motorway. The Gateway Upgrade North project was completed in early 2019, with a further $1 billion committed by the Australian Government and Queensland Government (80:20 basis) to upgrade the section between Bracken Ridge and Pine River. The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads recently completed two major upgrades on the Pacific Motorway (M1/M3 Merge and Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes), with works now underway on the Varsity Lakes and Tugun upgrade and the Eight Plains and Daisy Hill upgrade. |
1.1 | 38 | Flood Link Study for Inland Ral Route | Cth; Qld | 2021 | The Queensland and Australian Governments have set up an independent international panel of experts to provide advice on the flood model and structural designs developed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation for Inland Rail in Queensland. The Panel is established and is currently reviewing the 21 flood models between the border and Kagaru. |
1.1 | 39 | Development of the Kenwick Intermodal Terminal | WA | Short term | Arc Infrastructure has completed the reference design. The project has been fully costed and discussions are occurring with the Western Australian Government in relation to progressing the project. |
1.1 | 40 | NorthLink | Cth; WA | Short term | The third and final section of the NorthLink WA road project (a 22 km dual carriageway between Ellenbrook and Muchea) was completed in April 2020. Northlink WA stretches from Morley to Muchea providing a free flow link, doubling the road capacity and improving journey times and freight vehicle productivity. The NorthLink WA project was jointly funded with the Australian Government providing $820.84 million and the Western Australian Government $204.06 million. |
1.1 | 41 | Replacement of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge (road and rail) | WA; Cth | Short term | Planning and development work are ongoing. Main Roads WA is currently progressing procurement and the appointment of contractors, with the intent to commence construction work in late 2021 subject to environmental approval. |
1.1 | 42 | Commence road upgrades: Wheatbelt, Mid-West and Gascoyne Regions | WA; Cth | Medium term | Main Roads WA has developed a ‘Route Strategy Operational Plan’ which identifies ‘ultimate’ Restricted Access Vehicle access for State Roads across Western Australia. |
1.1 | 43 | Container Freight Staging Facilities | WA | Medium term | Investigation of a potential freight staging facility was delayed in early 2020 due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial discussions have occurred between Fremantle Ports, the Department of Transport and Main Roads WA, and a consultation meeting is scheduled for July to assess industry stakeholder views. |
1.1 | 44 | 20 Year Infrastructure Strategy and 5 Year Capital Intentions Statement | SA | Ongoing | Infrastructure South Australia released the inaugural 20-Year State Infrastructure Strategy on 13 May 2020. This inaugural Strategy sets the long-term strategic direction and initial priorities for infrastructure development in South Australia, which will be built upon in future iterations. The Strategy takes a state-wide view and aims to achieve the following objectives:
It has been informed by broad consultation with industry, community groups and within government. Infrastructure SA participated in various interactive sessions with industry groups and key stakeholders as well as community consultation undertaken as part of the Government’s regional development strategy. |
1.1 | 45 | North South Corridor Business Case - remaining sections | SA; Cth | Ongoing | The North — South Corridor Program Delivery Office was established to progress assessment, funding and delivery of the remaining 10.5km River Torrens to Darlington stage, which will complete the 78 kilometre non-stop motorway linking the Northern and Southern Suburbs. |
1.1 | 46 | Kangaroo Island Ferry Service Tender | SA | 1 July 2024 | The SA Government has committed to undertake a competitive tender process for the Kangaroo Island ferry service. The procurement will seek to achieve a safe, efficient, reliable, and cost effective ferry service carrying passengers, freight and related vehicles. |
1.1 | 47 | North-South Corridor: Darlington Upgrade Project | SA; Cth | 2014 - 2020 | The upgrade to motorway standard of approximately 3.3 kilometres of the existing Main South Road was open to traffic in July 2020. |
1.1 | 48 | North-South Corridor: Northern Connector Project | SA; Cth | 2016 - 2020 | A six-lane, 15.5 kilometre motorway providing a vital freight and commuter link between the Northern Expressway, South Road Superway and Port River Expressway was completed and open to traffic 7 March 2020. |
1.1 | 49 | North-South Corridor: South Road-Regency to Pym Street | SA; Cth | 2019 - 2022 | A new 1.8 kilometre section of non-stop motorway along South Road will connect the completed motorway sections, resulting in a 47 kilometre non-stop motorway between Gawler and the River Torrens. |
1.1 | 50 | Penola Bypass | SA; Cth; Local Government | 2019 - 2020 | The bypass of the Penola Township was completed with the opening of the Northern section on 7 April 2020. |
1.1 | 51 | Joy Baluch AM Bridge Duplication | SA; Cth | 2019 - 2022 | The procurement and early works for the duplication of the critical bridge across the Spencer Gulf for commuter, commercial and freight vehicles in the northern region of South Australia is completed. Delivery is due to commence in the third quarter 2020. |
1.1 | 52 | Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication Project | SA; Cth | 2020 - 2022 | The procurement and early works for upgrading the Augusta Highway to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion for all road users, particularly during peak travel times and public holidays, and improve safety and freight productivity is completed. Delivery is due to commence in the third quarter 2020. |
1.1 | 53 | Main South Road Duplication Stage 1 | SA | 2020 - 2024 | Procurement is anticipated to commence for the duplication of approximately 10 kilometres of Main South Road from south of Griffiths Drive in Seaford to Aldinga to improve access to the Fleurieu Peninsula in late September/early October 2020. |
1.1 | 54 | Portrush Road/Magill Road intersection upgrade | SA | 2020 - 2022 | Procurement is anticipated to commence shortly for part of the National Land Transport Network and the Outer Ring Route, which is a major traffic route and freight route. Construction is due to commence in early 2021. |
1.1 | 55 | Cross Road/Fullarton Road | SA; Cth | 2020 - 2022 | Procurement is anticipated to commence for part of Adelaide’s Outer Ring Route connecting the South Eastern Freeway to the North South Corridor in December 2020. Construction is due to commence in early 2021. |
1.1 | 56 | Torrens Road (Ovingham) and Brighton Road (Hove) level crossings | SA; Cth | 2020 - 2023 | The grade separation of the level crossings will lead to improved travel times for motorists, increased freight productivity and safety for all road users. Construction of both projects is expected to commence in mid-2021. |
1.1 | 57 | Glen Osmond/Fullarton Road intersection upgrade | SA; Cth | 2020 - 2022 | Glen Osmond and Fullarton Roads are major traffic and primary freight routes. The intersection upgrade will improve travel times and network reliability. Procurement is anticipated to commence in December 2020, with delivery to commence in early 2021. |
1.1 | 58 | Main North Road/Nottage Terrace junction upgrade | SA; Cth | 2020 - 2022 | As part of the Inner Ring Route and key freight routes, upgrading this intersection will improve moving traffic from the north east to the south, bypassing Adelaide’s CBD. Procurement is anticipated to commence in September 2020, with construction expected to commence late 2020. |
1.1 | 59 | Main North/McIntyre/Kings Road intersection upgrade | SA; Cth | 2020 - 2021 | This section is part of the major traffic and freight route servicing the northern suburbs. The Expression of Interest was released July 2020, with delivery expected to commence late 2020. |
1.1 | 60 | Grand Junction/Hampstead Road intersection upgrade | SA; Cth | 2020 - 2022 | This section is part of the Outer Ring Route providing important freight connectivity to the industrial areas of the northwest. Procurement is anticipated to commence in September 2020, with delivery due to commence in early 2021. |
1.1 | 61 | Victor Harbor Road duplication - Main South Road to McLaren Vale | SA; Cth | 2020 - 2024 | Duplication will accommodate growing traffic volumes and improve safety, and improve connectivity to the South Coast. Planning is advanced, with the procurement phase expected to commence late 2020. Major construction is expected to commence in early 2021. |
1.1 | 62 | Roads of Strategic Importance - $4.5 billion | Cth; Tas | 2018 - 2030 | The Australian Government has committed $530 million to a program of investment in Roads of Strategic Importance in Tasmania. Projects to receive funding through this investment program include:
The Tasmanian Government has provided $133 million as a 20 per cent contribution to this program. This is funded within the State Road Upgrades - North West and West Coast Regions, South East Traffic Solution and the Tasmanian Roads of Strategic Importance program. |
1.1 | 63 | Tasmania Integrated Freight Strategy | Tas | Ongoing | The Tasmanian Integrated Freight Strategy is focused on delivering a contemporary framework that links freight demand and investment, integrates planning and investment across modes, prioritises freight assets and supports improved project evaluation and freight system information. |
1.1 | 64 | Burnie to Hobart Integrated Freight Corridor | Cth; Tas | Ongoing | The Burnie to Hobart Freight Corridor is the core of the Tasmanian land transport network, connecting all major population, industrial and export centres. The program initiatives include a range of road and rail improvements to the corridor, such as intersection upgrades and lane duplications. |
1.1 | 65 | Hobart Airport Interchange Upgrade | Cth; Tas | 2020 - 2022 | The Tasmanian and Australian Governments have committed $50 million to construct a four-lane interchange that will replace the Hobart Airport roundabout. The new interchange will facilitate future traffic volumes, increased freight movements and improve safety. |
1.1 | 66 | Cooee Bottleneck | Cth; Tas | 2020 - 2024 | This action involves implementing priority projects identified in the Australian Government funded Cooee to Wynyard Planning study, including replacement of the Cam River Bridge. |
1.1 | 67 | Upgrade the Tasman Highway Sideling | Cth; Tas | 2021/22 - 2023/24 | The Australian and Tasmanian Governments have committed $50 million to upgrade the Tasman Highway Sideling. |
1.1 | 68 | ACT Transport Corridors Study | ACT | Completed | The ACT Transport Corridors Study was completed in 2019. Feasibility and design work for the Monaro Highway and Pialligo Avenue Improvements Program is progressing and a number of projects identified are now in the delivery phase. |
1.1 | 69 | Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub | NT | 3 years | The Stage 1 external headwork’s (power feeders, water distribution mains and road intersection) is within the Victoria Highway road reserve and is not constrained by the acquisition of the pastoral lease or native title, which is progressing. The power and intersection works are ready to be tendered immediately, and the water distribution mains is planned to be tendered on completion of the design in November 2020. The site for the Stage 1 water storage tanks and future Stage 2 sewer pump station are located on part of NT Portion 5043, owned by Katherine Town Council with agreement in place to transfer to the Northern Territory Government. The Stage 3 elevated water tank will be designed in conjunction with the Stage 1 water storage tank and can be brought forward for tender with the water storage tank in 2021. |
1.2 | 70 | Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility - $5 billion | Cth | 2016 - 2026 | The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) is a $5 billion lending facility to provide loans to infrastructure projects in northern Australia. As at 20 July 2020, the NAIF has invested:
On 17 July 2020, it was announced that the NAIF will be extended for a further five years, allowing it to continue to provide finance to a strong pipeline of infrastructure projects in the north until mid-2026. |
1.2 | 71 | Roads of Strategic Importance - $4.5 billion | Cth; State Government | 2018 - 2030 | See initiative 8. |
1.2 | 72 | Northern Australia Roads Program - $600 million | Cth; QLD; WA; NT | 2016 - 2021 | The Northern Australia Roads Program is well advanced with eight projects completed and 11 projects underway. A final project (Peak Downs Highway) is due to commence in Q4 2020. $279.74 million has been committed to Queensland under the Northern Australia Roads Program, with $223.80 million in federal funding and $55.94 million state funding. |
1.2 | 73 | Northern Australia Beef Roads Program - $100 million | Cth; QLD; WA; NT | 2016 - 2021 | The Northern Australia Beef Roads Program is in its final stages with 16 projects completed and one project underway. A final project (Gregory Developmental Road) is due to commence in Q4 2020. The works included road reconstruction, realignment and installation of passing lanes, resulting in improved freight capacity and connectivity, increased flood immunity and improvements to road safety. $76.1 million has been committed to Queensland under the Northern Australia Beef Roads Program, with $56.9 million in federal funding, $19.2 million state funding and relevant local government contributions. The Australian Government also committed $12.5 million and the Western Australian Government $3.1 million for one West Australian project; and in the Northern Territory the Australian Government committed $30.3 million and the Northern Territory Government $7.6 million for two projects. |
1.2 | 74 | Bridges Renewal Program | Cth; Local Government | 2015 - 2023 | The Bridges Renewal Program has an emphasis on regional areas. More than 80 per cent of funding to date has been spent on projects outside of capital cities. See initiative 9 for more progress information. |
1.2 | 75 | Upgrades to port infrastructure in external territories - $31.9 million | Cth | 2016 - 2020 | The Australian Government is currently finalising an Approach to Market for the replacement of the Christmas Islands Crane and Moorings systems to which $26.2 million has been allocated. Should the Approach to Market be deemed successful and a contract signed, works are slated to begin in the second quarter of the 2020-21 financial year. Funding received for the Detailed Business Case creation have been expended and it is currently being worked into a Strategic Asset Management Plan to be put forward to the Australian Government to seek appropriate funding levels for asset management within the Territories for all asset classes, including the ports. |
1.2 | 76 | Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program - $508 million | Cth | 2013 - 2023 | The Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program has an emphasis on regional areas. Since 2015, more than 90 per cent of funds have been spent on regional and rural projects. This particularly includes projects off the major highway network and includes primary producers. See initiative 10 for more progress information. |
1.2 | 77 | Adelaide to Tarcoola Rail Upgrade Acceleration - $252 million | Cth | 2017 - 2021 | The Australian Government is fully funding the Australian Rail Track Corporation to undertake the Adelaide to Tarcoola re-railing project. The works will improve productivity of existing services and improve operating performance to allow heavier, more efficient freight trains to operate at faster speeds. The project is progressing well with only minor works (Gawler Rail Bridge) left to be completed in early 2021. |
1.2 | 78 | Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program - $44 million | Cth | 2019 - 2021 | The Australian Government has announced 20 eligible proposals under the Interface Improvement Program, which will provide proponents with pre-feasibility, feasibility study and strategic business case support to study the benefits and costs of proposed ideas and make a case for further investment. Appropriate business case studies are underway between proponents and Ernst & Young-led business advisor teams, based on project plans that have determined the scope, required stakeholder consultation and gateway starting point information requirements for developing each proposal. Potential proponents have been invited to submit proposals for a second round of Expressions of Interest that is open from 10 August to 18 September 2020. |
1.2 | 79 | Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation - Cth: $187.6 million; Tas: $187.6 million | Cth; Tas | 2015 - 2023 | The three tranches of the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program include a range of upgrades such as sleeper and rail replacement, formation rectification, yard and terminal track work, level crossing upgrades, and rail corridor drainage improvements. These upgrades will reduce the operational costs of freight movements, improve reliability and reduce transit times. Upgrades under Tranches 1 and 2 commenced in 2015 and are expected to be completed by mid-2023. Upgrades under Tranche 3, which commenced in 2019, are also expected to be completed by mid-2023. Tranche 3 also includes the Port of Burnie Shiploader Upgrade. The existing shiploader will be replaced with a modern unit to improve productivity and support the Tasmanian mining industry. The new shiploader will be operational by mid-2022.
Building on the benefits of Tranche 1, Tranche 2 is being delivered over four years and has resulted in mainline derailments reaching record lows, while maintaining downward pressure on Temporary Speed Restrictions and maintenance costs. Tranche 2 is being delivered on time and on budget, in partnership with Tasmanian civil contractors. Building on the benefits of Tranche 2, Tranche 3 will continue to replace near life expired rail and sleepers, upgrades bridges/drainage and focus on underlying formation issues. This will continue to apply downward pressure on single points of failure, speed restrictions and maintenance costs. |
1.2 | 80 | Inland Rail | Cth; NSW; Vic; Qld | 2018 - 2025 | Construction of the first section of the Inland Rail project is near completion and notable benefits for the community have been realised:
Preconstruction works on other sections are well progressed. Field investigation and reference design for the other 11 project sections are near completion, with eight sections completing the reference design stage and five sections expected to progress to public exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement in the second half of 2020. The last bilateral agreement was executed with Queensland in November 2019. The Australian Rail Track Corporation has been working with state governments to settle the enabling agreements for the delivery of the project. |
1.2 | 81 | Regional Aviation Access Program - $58.7 million | Cth | 2015 - TBD | The Regional Aviation Access Program is comprised of the following components: the Remote Air Services Subsidy Scheme; the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program; and the Remote Aerodrome Inspection Program. Two rounds of funding have been announced under the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, providing assistance of $19 million to 79 projects for safety and access upgrades. A further funding round is anticipated later in 2020, which is expected to exhaust the funding allocation. The Remote Air Services Subsidy Scheme provides connectivity to 266 remote communities through weekly flights, conveying passengers, essential supplies, food and mail. |
1.2 | 82 | Regional Airports Program | Cth | 2019 - 2023 | The Regional Airports Program provides funding to assist operators of regional aerodromes to undertake safety and access works. On 13 June 2020, $41.2 million in funding was announced for 60 regional airport projects under Round 1 of the Program. A further funding round is anticipated later in 2020, which is expected to exhaust the funding allocation. |
1.2 | 83 | Black Spot Program (road safety) | Cth | Ongonig | Under the Black Spot Program guidelines, 50 per cent of funding is to be allocated to regional and rural areas. Since 2013-14, 58 per cent of funding has been allocated to projects outside urban centres Australia-wide. |
1.2 | 84 | Roads to Recovery program - $6.1 billion | Cth | 2013 - 2024 | The Roads to Recovery Program allocates funding to all councils Australia-wide to support the maintenance of the nation’s local road infrastructure assets, which connects Australian regions and communities and improves safety and economic and social outcomes. Since 2013-14, $4.15 billion has been paid to eligible funding recipients under the Roads to Recovery Program. |
1.2 | 85 | Deliver and improve key freight programs and projects | NSW | 3 - 5 years | This includes the Restart NSW funding committed from 2017-18 to 2022-23 for Fixing Country Roads ($543 million) and Fixing Country Rail ($400 million). Fixing Country Roads has made $439.7 million available for 324 projects. Fixing Country Rail has made $439.7 million available for 324 projects. Fixing Country Rail has made available up to $210.9 million for 20 projects across the NSW network. |
1.2 | 86 | Implement the NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy Framework | NSW | 0 - 2 years | This initiative is complete with further business as usual activities underway. The framework applies to higher productivity vehicles across the whole of NSW, reducing the need for operators of Performance Based Standards fleets to obtain permits on a case-by-case basis. |
1.2 | 87 | Fund infrastructure improvements to increase high productivity vehicle road access | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government will continue with the Fixing Country Roads, Bridges for the Bush and the Regional Road Freight Corridor Fund programs:
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1.2 | 88 | Provide funding under the Regional Road Freight Corridor Fund to upgrade key regional highways | NSW | Ongoing | Five projects have been completed, sixteen projects are on track for delivery and four projects are delayed but progressing. The Oxley Highway Safety and Realignment Works have delivered four of the five safety upgrade projects. The final project is scheduled to commence construction in 2020/2021. |
1.2 | 89 | Encourage coastal shipping through planning and other initiatives | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government will encourage coastal shipping by appropriate planning to support the continued operation of the port at Glebe Island and White Bay. This is currently in progress with discussions with industry underway. |
1.2 | 90 | Saving Lives on Country Roads Program | NSW | 0 - 2 years | This initiative has been completed with projects in development and delivery. This will deliver safety upgrades on country roads, including flexible barriers to separate oncoming traffic and protect vehicles from roadside hazards. The total investment in reducing deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads over the next five years is $1.9 billion. |
1.2 | 91 | Assist local councils to plan for freight needs | NSW | Ongoing | This initiative has been completed. Transport for NSW has provided guidance on freight needs and has worked with local councils in developing their strategic development statements. This will be an ongoing initiative to support local councils to plan for current and future freight and logistics requirements in their Local Government Area, and reflect priorities in their local strategic planning statements, including by providing assistance to identify current and future freight and logistics requirements. |
1.2 | 92 | Regional Rail Freight Network Planning - Note: Previously named 'Regional Rail Standardisation | Vic | Ongoing | The Victorian Department of Transport has completed a detailed assessment of the state of the existing regional rail freight network and is preparing further advice for the Government on a new approach for the future of the network. |
1.2 | 93 | Murray Basin Rail Project | Cth; Vic | Ongoing | A review of the project business case has been completed and is being considered by the Victorian and Australian Governments. The Victorian Government is in discussions with the Australian Government to agree funding to progress the project. Announcements regarding remaining works will be made once funding is finalised. |
1.2 | 94 | Bruce Highway Action Plan | Qld; Cth | 2013 - 2028 | The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program continues to be delivered by Queensland. The program is a jointly-funded 15-year, $12.6 billion program being delivered between 2013 and 2028. As at July 2020, major projects completed under the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program include Cattle and Frances Creek upgrade (Ingham), Townsville Ring Road Stage 4, Yeppoon Flood Plain Upgrade (Rockhampton), Cooroy to Curra Sections A and C and Boundary Road Interchange (Narangba). Major projects currently underway include Cairns South Access Stage 4 (Kate Street to Aumuller Street), Haughton River Floodplain, Mackay Ring Road – Stage 1 and Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway upgrade, with further major projects committed, such as Rockhampton Ring Road and Cooroy to Curra – Section D. As part of the 2017 state election, the Queensland Government committed to establishing the Bruce Highway Trust Advisory Council. The inaugural meeting of the Advisory Council occurred in July 2020. The Advisory Council’s responsible for establishing a 15-year Vision and rolling five-year Action Plans to inform future investment priorities in this key road transport corridor (Brisbane – Cairns). $10 million has been allocated over two years (2019–20 to 2020–21) for this purpose. |
1.2 | 95 | Warrego Highway Upgrade Program - $635 million funded on an 80:20 basis by the Australian Government and Queensland Government | Qld; Cth | Ongoing | The Warrego Highway Upgrade Program is a package of 20 approved projects between Toowoomba and west of Miles (15 original projects and five additional approved projects). Eighteen projects are complete with the remaining projects scheduled to be completed by December 2020. In 2019, the Australian Government and Queensland Government committed a further $400 million (on an 80:20 basis) towards the Warrego Highway. Project details and timing subject to further planning and negotiation with the Australian Government, noting the Queensland Government’s initial priority is upgrading the Mount Crosby Road interchange. |
1.2 | 96 | Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme | Qld | Ongoing | The Queensland Government provides a $70 million targeted investment in local government transport infrastructure each year through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme. The majority of Scheme funding is provided as an annual allocation to Regional Roads and Transport Groups (RRTG) across the state for the development and delivery of projects across the shared network. The Scheme is provided on a matched funding basis to local governments that have formed one of the 17 RRTGs. Representatives from each RRTG member council and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads voluntarily work together to make road and transport infrastructure investment decisions based on their regional priorities. The Scheme model provides local government with funding certainty, which promotes good planning and best value delivery methods. It also assists to maintain local government employment in regional areas. |
1.2 | 97 | Bruce Highway Safety Package | Qld; Cth | Ongoing | The Bruce Highway Safety Package looks to improve the overall safety of the highway. To date, safety improvements delivered as part of Bruce Highway Upgrade Program include:
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1.2 | 98 | Heavy Vehicle Safety Action Plan | Qld | 2019 - 2021 | Pre-construction activities have commenced to explore the installation of on-site technologies to provide timely rest area availability information along the Bruce Highway. The plan encourages the increased uptake of telematics and other safety technologies for business and/or regulatory purposes. |
99 | Develop major route plans on major highways | WA | Completed | 98 route development and management plans for the rural WA network have been completed. The subsequent network analysis identified network programs for widening, overtaking lanes, geometry improvements, bridge upgrades and rest area improvements. | |
1.2 | 100 | Wheatbelt Strategic Secondary road freight network | WA; Cth | Short term | The Wheatbelt Strategic Freight Network identified 80 routes that create an efficient, sustainable and cost-effective integrated freight transport network. This has led to a $70 million commitment by the Australian Government through the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative, matched by $17.5 million of state funds. |
1.2 | 101 | Revitalising Agricultural Freight Strategy | WA | Short term | The final Revitalising Agricultural Region Freight Strategy, released in June 2020, includes a prioritised multi-modal project list. Discussions are currently occurring with industry in relation to progressing some of the key projects identified. |
1.2 | 102 | GlobeLink business case | SA | 2018 - 2019 | GlobeLink proposed a new freight rail bypass and road bypass of the Adelaide Hills from the southeast to enter Adelaide from the north, and a 24/7 freight-only airport and intermodal export park at the Murray bridge end of the corridor. $2.4 million was invested to fund a Master Plan and business case. Analysis of road and rail bypass options identified that none were viable or likely to be justified based upon current population and employment projections. Preliminary cost estimates for the original GlobeLink road/rail proposals totalled $7.3 billion, with other options ranging up to $18.2 billion. The Benefit Cost Ratio of shortlisted options ranged from 0.08 to 0.21. With spare capacity at Adelaide Airport, a new competing freight airport is not justified. There is, however, a distinct opportunity to provide more direct air connections to new international destinations to open up additional export markets. Several road connectivity options are identified for future investigation to explore opportunities that could deliver upon the objectives of GlobeLink in the long term. |
1.2 | 103 | Strzelecki Track Wider Economic Benefit Analysis | SA | 2019 - 2020 | Further work has been undertaken to understand the additional economic value of upgrading and sealing the Strzelecki track. The study focused on benefits that are additional to those captured by traditional transport infrastructure modelling methodologies and quantitatively measure the benefits specific to industry and the public via producer and consumer surplus created from supply chain efficiencies, production efficiencies, greater market access and the associated reduction in environmental externalities. As a result, an additional $49.3 million in benefits was identified in present value terms. These outputs will now be used to update the business case. |
1.2 | 104 | Grain/minerals port on Eyre Peninsula | SA | Ongoing | Infrastructure South Australia have been tasked with the identification of the optimum location for a grain/minerals port on Eyre Peninsula as one of ten major infrastructure projects identified in the Government’s Strong Plan for South Australia. |
1.2 | 105 | Roads of Strategic Importance - Port Augusta to Perth (SA section including Eyre Peninsula netowrk) corridor; Cockburn to Burra corridor; Renmark to Gawler corridor; Onkaparinga Valley Road/Tiers Road/Nairne Road intersection upgrade | SA; Cth | 2020 - 2024 | South Australian projects funded through the Australian Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance initiative aim to better connect businesses to national and international markets.
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1.2 | 106 | Horrocks Highway improvements | SA; Cth | 2020 - 2024 | This project includes the installation of overtaking lanes and shoulder sealing, improvements to the Gladstone level crossing, and the replacement of a bridge north of Melrose. Procurement for various packages is anticipated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2020 to the first quarter of 2022. The delivery of various packages is due to commence during 2021. |
1.2 | 107 | Productivity improvements (Thomas foods facility, Dublin Saleyards, Bratten Bridge, Naracoorte roundabouts, Kroemers Crossing) | SA; Cth | 2020 - 2021 | This project involves infrastructure upgrades facilitating improved access for high productivity vehicles.
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1.2 | 108 | Remote Areas Consultative Group | SA | Ongoing | South Australia is currently chairing the Remote Areas Consultative Group, which aims to improve the efficiency and productivity of transport in remote Australia. |
1.2 | 109 | Rural Roads Package - Safety Package (i.e. overtaking lanes, shoulder sealing, and pavement and intersection improvements) | SA; Cth | 2020 - 2023 | This project involves road infrastructure improvements aimed at increasing safety. The package of works is expected to be completed by Q1 2023. |
1.2 | 110 | Annual program works:
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SA | Ongoing | Projects delivered under annual program works will assist freight network connectivity, reliability and safety. Sealing of the Adventure Way between the South Australian/Queensland border and Innamincka is scheduled to commence in July 2020. On 23 June 2020, the South Australian Government committed to seal 50 kilometres of the Strzelecki track north of Lyndhurst. The project is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2020, with completion expected in the last quarter of 2021, weather permitting. The Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program works are staged with ongoing procurement and delivery under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative. |
1.2 | 111 | 90 Day Project - Improving Road Transport for Primary Production | SA | 2015 - 2019 | Remaining actions have transitioned to current planning streams for further investigation or delivery as funding permits. |
1.2 | 112 | Bass Strait Ferry Replacement Program | TT-Line | 2020 - 2028 | The Tasmanian Government is exploring local and national options and possibilities to support the replacement of TT-Line’s two Spirit of Tasmania vessels. This policy direction reflects the impact of COVID-19 on Australian and Tasmanian industry and businesses, and the opportunity to explore how much of that investment could occur within Australia. A taskforce will be established to identify local procurement, purchasing and manufacturing options. |
1.2 | 113 | Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan | Cth; Tas | 2015 - 2025 | The Australian and Tasmanian Governments have committed $500 million funding for improving safety for passenger and freight movements on this key highway. The Australian Government’s contribution is made under the Building Our Future Program. |
1.2 | 114 | Bridgewater Bridge Replacement | Cth; Tas | 2019 - 2024 | Replacement of the Bridgewater Bridge, north of Hobart, represents the largest ever investment in a single transport infrastructure project in Tasmania. Planning for the $576 million project is underway, with the Government confirming the key design requirements and releasing two initial design options. The planning and environmental assessment and approvals process will commence later this year. An Early Contractor Involvement procurement process will also shortly commence, which will select two contractors to enter a competitive design and tender process to determine a final design. Construction is scheduled to start in 2022. |
1.2 | 115 | New bulk minerals ship loader at Burnie Port | Cth; Tas | 2021 - 2022 | A new bulk minerals shiploader at the Burnie Port will help secure the future of the Tasmanian mining industry. TasRail will build and operate the new shiploader, which is connected to the road and rail network. Construction of the new shiploader will occur in 2020-21 and 2021-22. The shiploader will significantly increase load rate per hour, increasing productivity for the mining industry. |
1.2 | 116 | Prefeasibility analysis for upgrades to Canberra to Sydney rail infrastructure | ACT; NSW | Complete | The ACT Government has completed pre-feasibility studies for Sydney to Canberra rail upgrades under the 2018-19 ACT Budget allocations. These investigations complement those underway by the NSW Government. The ACT will continue to work with the NSW Government and Australian Government on upgrades to this corridor to support improved passenger services as well as infrastructure and track upgrades which support freight movements. |
1.2 | 117 | East-west Regional Freight Network | ACT | Ongoing | The submission to the 2020 Infrastructure Priority List was accepted in relation to the high priority initiative ‘National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy’. The ACT will continue exploring Australian Government funding opportunities to support the submission. |
1.2 | 118 | Feasibility of Canberra to Eden railway line | NSW; ACT | Long term | The NSW Government is undertaking a feasibility study of a Canberra to Eden railway line. The ACT has supported the concept in principle, recognising the potential benefits to Canberra and the Canberra Region. The ACT participated in stakeholder consultation undertaken by the NSW Government during 2019 and awaits the next outputs from the investigation. |
1.2 | 119 | Northern Territory Airports Expansion Program | NT | 2 years | Construction has commenced on the cold storage, freight and training facility. It is anticipated that construction will be completed in September 2020 and the facility will open in October 2020. Solar energy farms at Darwin, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek Airports: Investigations and due diligence activities have commenced; timing of the works has been largely contingent on the supply authority finalising the Generator Performance Standards. NT Airports are now targeting Solar - Phase 1 works commencement in 2020-21 subject to project viability and board approval. Resurfacing Alice Springs runway, taxiways, apron and new runway lighting: The works were practically completed in November 2019, with the final grooving works completed in March 2020. |
1.2 | 120 | Development of a Darwin Ship Lift Facility | NT | 3 years | The $400 million Darwin Ship Lift Facility will be capable of servicing offshore petroleum, fishing, pearling and Defence and Border Force vessels. The Ship Lift will be a common user facility, which will operate on a commercial basis. There will be a legislated open access regime to ensure fair and equal use for all customers. Pricing and access will be overseen by the independent Utilities Commission. The Northern Territory Government is working to finalise a project development agreement with the Paspaley Group to operate the facility and attain all relevant environmental and development approvals. The Northern Territory Government engaged GHD to prepare a Procurement Strategy to deliver the project. It is envisaged that a contract(s) will be awarded in late 2020, with construction scheduled to commence in 2021 (subject to obtaining relevant approvals). |
1.3 | 121 | Developing a world-leading satellite positional capability for Australia | Cth | 2018 - 2025 | Geoscience Australia’s (GA) Positioning Australia program is building a national positioning capability to provide all Australians with access to instant and reliable location data accurate to 3-5 centimetres in areas where there is mobile or internet coverage and 10 centimetres everywhere else – a significant improvement on the current 5-10-metre accuracy. An independent study shows that accurate, instant and reliable positioning will generate $6.2 billion in the Australian economy over 30 years through new technologies and greater efficiencies.21 To deliver this:
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1.3 | 122 | Access to spectrum | Cth | Ongoing | The spectrum auction for the 3.6 GHz band concluded in late 2018. The Australian Communications and Media Authority has made a number of planning decisions relevant to freight applications such as connected and automated vehicles, including:
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1.3 | 123 | Continue the Mobile Black Spot Program | Cth | 2014 - 2023 | The Australian Government has committed $380 million to date to the Mobile Black Spot Program to invest in telecommunications infrastructure projects that improve mobile coverage and competition across Australia. To date, 1,229 base stations have been funded under the first five rounds of the program, with over 860 now in operation. Completed base stations are providing new and improved mobile coverage to more than 8,000 kilometres of major transport routes. The Government intends that the next step in the program will be to conduct a Round 5A, which will be used to test a range of different program designs. On 21 April 2020, the Government released a discussion paper seeking feedback from industry and community on options for the design of Round 5A, which includes a focus on improving mobile connectivity along major transport corridors and in disaster-prone regions, such as bushfire-prone areas, as well as the testing of new technologies that support shared mobile coverage in regional areas. Feedback received from industry and community on options for the design for Round 5A is currently being reviewed. |
1.3 | 124 | Rollout of the National Broadband Network | Cth | 2020 | 11.7 million premises across Australia were ready to connect as at 30 June 2020, surpassing NBN Co’s target of 11.5 million. NBN Co has around 100,000 premises, including ‘complex connections’ that will be completed after 30 June 2020 and expects that 80 per cent of these premises will have access to the National Broadband Network by 31 December 2020. |
1.3 | 125 | Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G uptake | Cth | 2016 - TBD | All three of Australia’s major mobile network operators now have active 5G networks. 5G coverage is set to expand as carriers deploy their 5G networks across Australia. The 5G Working Group has met four times since 2018 and discussed the potential role for 5G in the transport, agriculture and healthcare sectors. In 2019, the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts asked the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts to inquire into and report on the deployment, adoption and application of 5G in Australia. On 12 May 2020, the Committee tabled its report 5G - The Next Gen Future. The Australian Government is preparing its response to the recommendations of the report. A horizon-scanning project, initiated by the Chief Scientist and being undertaken by the Australian Council of Learned Academies, is investigating the opportunities and implications presented by the development and deployment of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the coming decade, including whether Australia can establish competitive advantage in particular IoT use cases. This report is due for release in the second half of 2020. In terms of networks that are being deployed to support the IoT, Telstra has approximately 3 million square kilometres of LTE M coverage and around 4 million square kilometres of Narrowband-IoT coverage. This coverage is already being used to connect around 3.8 million devices as at June 2020. |
1.3 | 126 | Examination of technology models for deployment of Co-operative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) | Cth; QLD; NSW; Austroads | 2020 - 2021 | The Commonwealth, Queensland, NSW and Austroads have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to undertake a project on the current and future capability of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), including the various models for the deployment. This work may inform consideration of digital infrastructure that could be deployed to support innovative freight operations and technology improvements. |
1.3 | 127 | Facilitate trials of emerging technology in heavy vehicles | NSW | Ongoing | Transport for New South Wales is continuing to look at the appropriate technologies for this initiative which will focus on heavy vehicle platooning and automation. Further work is to be carried out to provide a framework for trials and automated operations. |
1.3 | 128 | Improve data sharing | NSW | 0 - 2 years | NSW has completed significant work in this area and has led the nation in publishing freight data in an open environment for customers and stakeholders to access. Whilst complete, Transport for NSW will continue its drive to make data available for better decision making by government agencies, local councils, road and rail operators and freight customers and communities. |
1.3 | 129 | Adopt new technologies to improve the efficiency of government infrastructure | NSW | Ongoing | A number of initiatives have been completed that will continue as ‘business as usual’ across ports, road and rail networks. Transport for New South Wales continues to explore technology solutions to improve the efficiency of administration and management of the network. |
1.3 | 130 | Foster trials of emerging technology by industry | NSW | Ongoing | Transport for New South Wales is currently engaging with industry and technology suppliers across a number of initiatives including heavy vehicle platooning and automation, vehicle-to-infrastructure systems to optimise traffic signal timing and reduce travel times for freight vehicles and last mile deliveries by aerial drones in urban areas across. |
1.3 | 131 | Support national reforms to investment in the freight network | NSW | 5 - 10 years | While this initiative is complete it will continue as a business as usual initiative with the initial implementation to be considered by Infrastructure and Transport Ministers in November 2020 or May 2021. |
1.3 | 132 | Heavy Vehicle Safety Action Plan | Qld | 2019 - 2021 | See initiative 98. |
1.3 | 133 | Explore opportunities to apply new technology to manage transport networks | WA | Short term | Several initiatives are being investigated by the Western Australian Government, with industry and the research community to improve road traffic management. These include investigating on-board technology options and infrastructure-based technology options to link freight vehicle data with traffic management, and pathways to link freight vehicles and traffic management systems. WA has also adopted and refined the trial process to enable automated vehicle use through exemptions. Proponents wanting to use an automated vehicle on a public road in WA need to apply to the Department of Transport for an exemption from vehicle registration requirements. |
1.3 | 134 | Smart Freeway - Kwinana Northbound | WA | Short term | The project is on track for delivery in mid to late July 2020. |
1.3 | 135 | Regional Telcommunications Project: National Strategy Integration | WA | Short term | Additional funding of $20 million has been secured for the Regional Telecommunications Project Continuation to further expand mobile coverage in regional WA, including along freight corridors and designated Main Roads WA primary and secondary routes. A mobile base station at Bannister, addressing a black spot on Albany Highway, will be completed shortly. Three more base stations are required to provide continuous coverage from Perth to Albany. The next round of the Commonwealth Mobile Black Spot Program Round 5A is due to open around September 2020 and will specifically target freight routes. |
1.3 | 136 | Fremantle Ports real time data project | WA | Short term | The initiatives under the Fremantle Port Authority real-time data gathering project achieved the following:
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1.3 | 137 | Grainbelt Digital Enhancement Program | WA; Industry | Medium term | Under the Digital Farm Grant Program Round 1, a total of 11 projects are being rolled out, delivered by five telecommunication providers. The WA Supernet Request for Proposal response is being assessed. |
1.3 | 138 | Great Eastern Drive Mobile Coverage Program | Tas | 2019 - 2021 | This project is to improve coverage to at least 95 per cent of the Great Eastern Drive, between Buckland and Binalong Bay. The Great Eastern Drive is a major Tasmanian transportation route and currently has significant areas of negligible or no mobile coverage. A total of $11 million will be invested by the Tasmanian Government and Optus to construct 15 greenfield macro base stations. The project is currently underway and completion is expected in 2021. |
1.3 | 139 | Low and Zero Emissions Vehicles (LZEV's) | ACT | Ongoing | The ACT’s Transition to Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) Action Plan 2018-2021 sets a clear direction for the ACT to accelerate and support the uptake of ZEVs, including battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and electric bikes. The plan includes a range of actions, including a government commitment to all newly leased ACT Government fleet passenger vehicles being ZEVs from 2020-21 (where fit for purpose). As identified in the ACT’s Climate Change Strategy 2019-25, the ACT Government will also identify new actions to support the uptake of zero emissions vehicles from 2021 onwards and will explore opportunities to promote investment in public charging infrastructure.
The ACT continues to co-lead with Queensland and participate in the national work program to accelerate the uptake of LZEVs. Under the national LZEV work program the ACT, along with Tasmania, is leading the development of the fleet managers guidelines. This will ultimately support vehicle fleet managers across Australia transition to LZEVs. Additionally, the ACT is supporting the coordination of responses for reporting on progress with the action “Consider developing LZEV fleet targets: (a) For the overall Australian vehicle fleet and (b) For each jurisdiction for their government owned and managed fleet.” Updates on progress of the national work program are expected to be reported to the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers meeting later in 2020 or early 2021. |
1.3 | 140 | Remote Telecommunications Co-investment Program | NT | 4 years | Fourteen remote sites have been identified to date for the 2019 program. Thirteen sites are being designed and one site is complete. Five sites will provide coverage on a transport corridor, with one on the Stuart Highway and the balance on secondary roads. All sites are expected to be completed by end of 2022. |
1.4 | 141 | Advance heavy vehicle road reform to facilitate efficient investment in infrastructure | All | Ongoing | The Australian Government commenced public consultation on reforms to the way heavy vehicle charges are set and invested (supply side reforms) in June 2020, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the consultation, the Government is holding online workshops with stakeholders to discuss the measures and hear feedback. State and territory governments continue to participate in the national Heavy Vehicle Road Reform discussions through the national Steering Committee, including the development of national Service Level Standards. Information from consultation together with implementation details of the proposed reform measures will be provided to Infrastructure and Transport Ministers in 2020-21 for their decision. |
1.4 | 142 | Port infrastructure pricing and access review | Vic | Completed | The Victorian Government has completed the Port Pricing and Access Review (PPAR), which investigated options for the future role of Government in regulating pricing/charges, and access to and from the port of Melbourne. The PPAR was developed in response to industry concerns regarding increasing infrastructure charges by stevedores at the port of Melbourne and the associated flow-on cost to industry. The findings of the PPAR were released to the industry on 30 January 2020. The PPAR provided a comprehensive picture of pricing and access at the Port of Melbourne from the wharf to the port gate, and that while costs have risen as a result of increases in stevedore charges, costs being levied by others, particularly shipping lines, are arguably having a bigger impact on increasing costs. The PPAR found that whilst there is not a case for economic regulation at this stage, it recommended putting in place new voluntary standards around how port charges are changed in consultation with the industry. As a result of the recommendations, there is an intention to introduce a Voluntary Port Performance Model to improve pricing transparency and access coordination (see Action Area 2.1). |
2.1 | 143 | Modernising agricultural trade - $32.4 million | Cth | 2018 - 2022 | The Australian Government is progressing a second pass business case to modernise our export supply chain, digitising government assurance and verification systems to better align with current industry capabilities, needs and expectations. These enhancements will streamline regulatory interfaces, improve access to information and provide digital infrastructure to support Australia’s agricultural trade. |
2.1 | 144 | National Rail Action Plan Work Program - Interoperability Standards | All | 2019 - 2021 | Infrastructure and Transport Ministers endorsed the National Rail Action Plan in November 2019. The National Transport Commission is leading work on the National Rail Action Plan and has established three working groups of government and industry representatives to deliver on the key themes of interoperability, commons standards/harmonisation, and skills and labour. A priority of the Interoperability working group is to deliver network business cases for the implementation of interoperable systems. The Common Standards working group is working in the first instance to develop six standards for rolling stock components and a plan for developing standards for other key components. The Common Standards and Harmonisation Steering Committee is preparing its first report to Infrastructure and Transport Ministers, which will include details of an industry survey undertaken by the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board. The Committee is prioritising areas for development of common standards, along with developing a three-year plan to progress standardisation. Work on the skills and labour stream is reported under Action 2.2. |
2.1 | 145 | Ongoing harmonisation of national vehicle safety standards for freight vehicles | All; Industry | Ongoing | The Australian Government continues to review, maintain, deregulate, and harmonise national road vehicle standards to align with Australia’s commitments outlined in United Nations arrangements relating to international vehicle standards. The Government continues to balance these harmonisation commitments against outcomes listed in the National Road Safety Strategy and the need for unique local vehicle standards. The Government is currently progressing the simplification of vehicle lighting requirements to realign with United Nations regulations, reduce regulatory costs and provide the safest freight vehicles to the Australian market at the lowest practicable cost to businesses and consumers. Jurisdictions participate at a national level with the Australian Government's actions to harmonise and where possible adopt international regulations. |
2.1 | 146 | Implementation of IMO mandate on electronic exchange of international maritime traffic information | Cth | 2019 - TBD | The Australian Government continues to engage in International Maritime Organization (IMO) negotiations on the Facilitation (FAL) Convention, including through participation in the correspondence group on the review and update of the Annex to the FAL Convention. The inclusion of the single window concept in the Annex will result in improved efficiency of international maritime traffic, simplifying through minimising the formalities, documentary requirements and procedures associated with the arrival, stay and departure of ships engaged in international voyages.
The 43rd meeting of the FAL Convention (FAL 43) approved the revised guidelines for setting up a maritime single window including internationally recognised standards that are available for use. FAL 44, scheduled for April 2020 but postponed due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, will consider this work for inclusion in the Annex to the FAL Convention and will review and revise the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business, including additional e-business solutions. The Australian Government is working to ensure Australian trade related information frameworks will be interoperable with international maritime single window standards. |
2.1 | 147 | M4 Smart Motorway Project | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government is investing $600 million to build the M4 Smart Motorway project, which will introduce intelligent technology to the M4 Motorway between Pitt Street, Mays Hill and Mulgoa Road, Penrith. Stage 1 of this initiative has been completed with Stages 2 and 3 currently underway with the target to be completed by 2020. |
2.1 | 148 | Optimise freight train cycle times | NSW | 0 - 2 years | This initiative is ongoing as Transport for NSW continues to work with rail network owners and rail freight operators to optimise freight train cycle times, as the freight rail timetable on the shared Sydney network is continuously evolving and NSW seeks to implement a regional rail corridor strategy. |
2.1 | 149 | Voluntary Port Performance Model | Vic | 2020 - 2022 | The Victorian Department of Transport hosted a Ports Roundtable in January 2020 as part of the Port Pricing and Access Review. As outlined at that time, the Victorian Government does not intend to regulate stevedore terminal charges at this time. However, the Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight announced her intention to introduce a Voluntary Port Performance Model to improve pricing transparency and access coordination. The first stage of implementing the Voluntary Port Performance Model involves development of a Voluntary Pricing Protocol, providing guidelines for stevedores to notify the department and industry of impending landside access price increases or introduction of new access charges, and provide suitable transparency and rationale for such changes. A final Protocol has been presented to the stevedores and will be published more widely in August 2020. The second stage involves development of a Voluntary Performance Monitoring Framework to monitor performance of the container landside supply chain at the Port of Melbourne. A set of indicators which both industry and government agree are consistent, measurable and meaningful will be developed. Work has commenced on the scoping of a 12-month trial starting in early 2021. |
2.1 | 150 | Heavy Vehicle Safety Action Plan | Qld | 2019 - 2021 | See initiative 98. |
2.1 | 151 | Trade Community System | WA; NSW; Qld | Medium term | Following a successful Proof of Concept phase conducted by the Port of Brisbane, significant progress has been made with Australian and New Zealand ports, including the Fremantle Port Authority, to progress a Trade Community System (TCS) pilot. This is intended to validate the commercial proposition in support of a TCS. However, the Australian port-led initiative has been placed on hold due to a failure to secure required funding, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 emergency. Instead, Transport for New South Wales has progressed the concept through a consultancy. |
2.1 | 152 | ACT Transport Strategy (Moving Canberra) | ACT | Medium term | The ACT Government is developing a long-term Strategy for the Future of Transport in the ACT and the Capital Region (the ACT Transport Strategy), building on community feedback on the draft Transport Strategy (Moving Canberra) and acknowledging the impact of COVID-19 on transport and travel in the ACT going forward. The Transport Strategy carries forward the vision of the ACT Freight Strategy 2016 to deliver an efficient, safe and sustainable freight network and services for a growing ACT and regional economy while protecting urban amenity. It will further implement the ACT Freight Strategy 2016 by providing a plan for freight movement to be prioritised on key orbital routes connecting the Canberra region, NSW and Victoria to industrial areas. Additionally, it recognises that freight hubs will provide an opportunity for the city to capitalise on the potential for freight in the Canberra region, opened by Canberra Airport as an international gateway. It also further explores the uptake of zero-emissions freight in the ACT as a way to reduce carbon emissions from transport. |
2.1 | 153 | Exploring how telematics and other intelligence transport systems can be used to optimise operations and planning | ACT | Ongoing | The ACT continues to work with Transport Certification Australia and participate in the National Telematics Framework working group to explore how telematics and other intelligence transport system can be utilised for freight operations and planning. |
2.2 | 154 | Engage, inform and attract potential new workforce entrants (e.g. retrenched workers and other job seekers to the freight and logistics industry | Cth | 2019 - 2021 | Work is under way to develop content for a dedicated freight and supply chain page on the recently created Department of Education, Skills and Employment Jobs Hub . It will include tailored job search and employment planning information to build understanding of and connections to employment opportunities in the sector. The Australian Government has commenced working with relevant stakeholders to inform the development of resources for a wide range of job seekers looking for entry-level work. |
2.2 | 155 | Work with freight and logistics industry employers to establish new recruitment and pre-employment pathways that place retrenched workers and other job seekers into jobs in the sector | Cth | Ongoing | The Australian Government has made connections with NatRoads, the Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia, the Australasian Railway Association and the Australian Logistics Council to promote the opportunities available for employers to work with the Commonwealth to establish recruitment and pre-employment pathways for entry-level workers into the supply chain and logistics industry. Work is currently underway with an organisation in the trucking industry to deliver a pre-employment project, which creates an entry pathway for women committed to taking on a career as a truck driver. The Australian Government will continue to work with employers with the aim of rolling out more of these opportunities. |
2.2 | 156 | Boosting aviation training through increased VET loans | Cth | 2020 | Implemented — students undertaking eligible aviation courses, with census dates after 1 January 2020, that lead to a commercial pilot license qualification will be able to access an increased Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan limit of $152,700. Currently, the HELP loan limit for students studying medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and eligible aviation courses is $152,700 and $106,319 for all other students. The eligible aviation courses are listed in the FEE-HELP Guidelines 2017. The initiative was announced in the 2019-20 Federal Budget and legislation received passage through parliament on 14 November 2019. |
2.2 | 157 | jobactive | Cth | 2018 - 2022 | jobactive is the Australian Government’s initiative to get more Australians into work. Providers connect job seekers with employers, including the placement of job seekers into roles in the Transport, Postal and Warehousing industry. jobactive providers can use the Employment Fund to assist job seekers into work by providing financial support for employer-required accredited training, work clothing, safety equipment, work-related licensing and transport. The Commonwealth will continue to develop the capability of providers in placing job seekers into supply chain and logistics roles, through the development of tailored job search and employment planning information for the industry. |
2.2 | 158 | Employment Facilitators | Cth | Ongoing | Employment Facilitators provide a local presence for the Australian Government in identified regions. There are currently Employment Facilitators operating across 11 regions. They help to facilitate government initiatives such as the Regional Employment Trials program. They also work directly with companies retrenching workers, retrenched workers and other job seekers to connect them with training, job opportunities and other existing support. The Employment Facilitators activities complement jobactive services. The Employment Facilitators’ work alongside a range of stakeholders in their regions – this can include freight and supply chain stakeholders. |
2.2 | 159 | Development of competency standards for vocational education | All | Ongoing | The Australian Industry Skills Committee provides advice to governments on the skill standards and competencies needed by all Australian industries, now and into the future. The Transport and Logistics Industry Reference Committee has responsibility for the Transport and Logistics Training Package for Road Transport, Logistics, Warehousing and Ports. A number of projects (including Fuel Storage Dangerous Goods Contractor, Logistics and Warehousing Operations, Naval Shipbuilding Integrated Logistics Support, Rail Infrastructure Skills, Rail Network Fault Support, Rail Passenger Train Guard and Rail Train and Network Control Operations Review) are currently underway to improve the quality of qualifications and competency standards within the Training Package. Further Transport and Logistics Industry projects are also scheduled to commence in late July and August 2020. |
2.2 | 160 | National Rail Plan Work Program - Skills | Cth | TBC | In late 2020, Infrastructure and Transport Ministers will consider analysis on skills shortages across the rail industry and potential skills pathways to address critical skill gaps. See initiative 144 for more information. |
2.2 | 161 | Attracting women into aviation careers | Cth | 2019 - 2022 | The program encourages women to pursue careers across all aspects of the aviation sector. Activities contracted under the program include seminars and events, mentoring and a range of careers events. |
2.2 | 162 | Women in Transport Program | Vic | 2017 - 2020 | The Women in Transport program aims to increase the number of women working in the public transport sector from 16 to 25 per cent by the end of 2020. As at the end of December 2019, the representation of women within the public transport operators has increased by 5 per cent, from 16 to 21 per cent. Investment in the Women in Transport program now totals $3.2 million; an increase of $2.1 million since its launch in March 2017. The program is now being reviewed and new initiatives being developed to continue to improve gender equality in the transport sector. |
2.2 | 163 | Victorian Heavy Vehicle Licensing and Employment Pathways Review | Vic | TBD | The Victorian Heavy Vehicle Licensing and Employment Pathways Review has been conducted to investigate:
The licensing stream has considered areas for improvement in the Victorian heavy vehicle licensing system, heavy vehicle licence progression and the adequacy of current training and assessment. The employment pathways component has considered barriers and opportunities to attracting drivers to the industry and retaining them. Both streams of work align with national and Victorian strategic priorities and transport and logistics industry concerns with heavy vehicle driver licensing and employment pathways. The draft report is currently under review by Freight Victoria. |
2.2 | 164 | Queensland Transport and Logistics Workforce Strategy and Action Plan | Qld | 2018 - 2023 | Queensland is supporting industry to undertake initiatives as identified under nine strategies in the action plan to build the industry brand, attract new talent, and strengthen the skills of the existing workforce to meet the emerging needs of the transport and logistics sector. |
2.2 | 165 | Development of future-skills standards for the transport and logistics, aviation and maritime sectors | Qld | Ongoing | The Queensland Government continues ongoing engagement with the Transport and Logistics Workforce Advisory Committee and broader industry to identify emerging skills and required changes to training and qualification needs. |
2.2 | 166 | Development of future-skills standards for the transport and logistics, aviation and maritime sectors | WA | Short term | Research has been undertaken by the WA Department of Training and Workforce Development and Logistics Training Council into suitable skills pathways, including mentoring and cadetships, in industries such as logistics. However, the advent of COVID-19 has put on hold all work in this area while industries re-define their future skill needs. WA is participating in a national working group set up through the National Transport Commission to develop an Action Plan aimed at addressing rail industry skill shortages. Specific to WA, a Metronet rail skills academy is being established, led by North Metropolitan TAFE with support from the WA Department of Training and Workforce Development, the Public Transport Authority and the WA rail industry. |
2.2 | 167 | State Aviation Training Strategy | WA | Short term | A draft training strategy was prepared at the beginning of 2020, following extensive consultation with key stakeholders by the WA Department of Training and Workforce Development and Logistics Training Council. However, due to COVID-19, the project has been suspended until further notice. |
2.2 | 168 | Heavy Vehicle Driver Training Programs and Facilities | WA | Short term | The WA Premier launched the pilot Heavy Vehicle Advanced Skills Driver Training Program to operate from the South Regional TAFE Collie Campus commencing in July 2020. |
2.2 | 169 | Tasmanian Transport and Logistics Workforce Action Group | Tas | Ongoing | Through Skills Tasmania, the Tasmanian Government works with the Tasmanian Transport and Logistics Workforce Action Group. Projects have included developing resources to support recruitment to top occupations in the sector, attracting women to work in the sector, and workforce planning through development of the Tasmanian Transport and Logistics Workforce Plans 2015-2018 and 2020-2023. |
2.2 | 170 | Industry Training Hub | Cth; Tas | Ongoing | $58 million has been allocated across Australia for Industry Training Hubs and scholarships to deliver future pathways for young Australians for jobs of the future. Burnie in North West Tasmania has been identified as a location for one of the Industry Training Hubs. Young people aged 15-24 in training hub areas will also be eligible to apply for a scholarship to undertake an eligible VET Program of study. |
2.2 | 171 | Participation in the truck driver skills and shortage working group | ACT | The ACT participated in the working group looking at truck driver skills and shortage when it was established in June 2019. Following a break arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACT will continue to participate when the working group reconvenes. Hosted by NatRoad, the working group also focuses on consistency of driver competencies and licensing conditions across jurisdictions to underpin a solid road transport network system that supports the freight supply chain. | |
2.3 | 172 | Smart Truck Rating Pilot | Cth | 2019 - 2020 | The Smart Truck Rating Pilot, which developed and tested an energy performance rating system for heavy vehicles, has been completed. The project succeeded in demonstrating the practicality and effectiveness of the rating system to quickly and accurately identify the energy performance level of difficult truck configurations and duty cycles. The Australian Government is considering the future of the rating system beyond the Pilot. |
2.3 | 173 | Development and implementation of the National Hydrogen Strategy | All | 2019 - 2030 | he National Hydrogen Strategy was agreed by Australian Governments in November 2019. The Strategy outlined nationally coordinated government actions for the development of an Australian hydrogen industry. One action is the completion of National Hydrogen Infrastructure Assessments. The national assessments will take a country-wide approach to mapping and understanding infrastructure needs for an Australian hydrogen industry, and will help the government and investors in their decision-making on hydrogen industry investment and development.
The first assessment is expected to commence in 2020, with completion by the end of 2021. In early 2020, the WA Renewable Hydrogen Unit was formally established at the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. The Unit regularly liaises with the National Hydrogen Project Team on a range of topics and themes to ensure continued alignment and information sharing on transport related matters. The Unit is facilitating proposals for hydrogen refuelling stations. Rounds have now closed for WA's Renewable Hydrogen Fund. The WA Government has announced funding for two hydrogen transport feasibility projects, with more announcements to come. The Queensland Government continues to monitor hydrogen developments, including transport trials underway and to understand how these can integrate into freight. Examples include the Sun Metals Group in Townsville, who received $5 million from the Queensland Government to build Queensland's first renewable hydrogen facility and monitoring developments in Gladstone, including how hydrogen production can be used in the transport sector. Gladstone's initial focus is on using hydrogen as an energy source to export. |
2.3 | 174 | A National Strategy for Electric Vehicles | Cth | 2019 - 2020 | The National Strategy for Electric Vehicles is on track for completion by the end of 2020. |
2.3 | 175 | Advanced Train Management System - $70 million | Cth | 2014 - 2022 | The Australian Government is providing $50 million in funding to the Australian Rail Track Corporation for the implementation of the Advanced Train Management System (ATMS). ATMS is an advanced train communication and signalling system that will improve the safety of rail operations as well as delivering reliability and network resilience. In July 2020, the ATMS was fully commissioned and became the primary signalling system between Port Augusta to Whyalla (Stage One). Stage Two is currently underway and is progressing to build capacity for a large-scale deployment on the Tarcoola to Kalgoorlie rail corridor. The project is scheduled for completion in mid-2022. |
2.3 | 176 | Driver fatigue monitoring technology trials - $250,000 | Cth; Industry; National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) | 2018 - TBD | The NHVR commenced a trial of fatigue safety related technologies to gain a greater understanding of how they work and are used. The trial was to be conducted in five phases between January 2019 and June 2020. Based on the research findings from Phase 2 of the trial and further interviews with industry the NHVR is transitioning the trial into a pilot program of work. An industry user working group has been established to work with the NHVR to deliver the pilot commencing in late 2020. Other fatigue initiatives:
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2.3 | 177 | Advanced Safe Truck Concept - $6.5 million | Cth | Completed | Seeing Machines was awarded $2.25 million over three years under the first round of the Australian Government’s Co-operative Research Centre Projects Program (a stream of the CRC Program) for the Advanced Safe Truck Concept. The Advanced Safe Truck Concept has been completed and a report has been provided to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. |
2.3 | 178 | Austroads' Connected and Automated Vehicle Program - Note: Program has been renamed to 'Future Vehicles and Technology Program | Austroads | Ongoing | The Australian Government participates in Austroads’ Future Vehicles and Technology Program. The work of the program is focused around four key themes: connected and automated vehicles; low and zero emission vehicles; digital and physical infrastructure; and capability building. The program recently published research on infrastructure readiness and changes needed to support automated vehicles on rural and metropolitan highways and freeways. Main Roads WA holds membership on Austroads Future Vehicles and Technology Taskforce and actively participates in the existing program of works which includes the following projects:
Queensland is commencing a capability gap analysis of internal technology governance capabilities that are likely to be invested in to enable a potential “no regrets” Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems deployment in Queensland. The gap analysis will inform an action plan in order to seek to align Queensland’s internal near-term business investments in such corporate capabilities. The Victorian Government has been an active participant in the Connected and Automated Vehicle Program, which has been re-established recently as the Future Vehicles and Technologies Program. The Victorian Department of Transport provided technical endorsement and guidance to the program of work, and linkages to jurisdiction projects and initiatives. Five projects have been approved in the 2020-21 work program. |
2.3 | 179 | Road Safety Innovation Fund | Cth | 2019 - TBD | Round 1 (2020-21 financial year) identified two heavy vehicle road safety innovative projects:
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2.3 | 180 | iMove Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) | Cth | 2017 - 2027 | The Australian Government continues to partner with a range of universities, researchers and industry experts on projects coordinated through the iMove Cooperative Research Centre. Following the completion of the Freight Data Requirements study in 2018, the Government has initiated a Freight Consignment Data Aggregation pilot through iMove that is assessing the feasibility and utility of aggregating freight consignment event/message data to produce outputs that help inform infrastructure planning and freight policy. Other projects the Australian Government has collaborated on recently include a research project to accelerate uptake of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (known as C-ITS), which will be completed in the second half of 2020. The Government is continuing to consider a number of potential future projects, in consultation with iMove and potential research partners. |
2.3 | 181 | Establishment of the Office of Future Transport Technologies | Cth | Complete | The Office of Future Transport Technology was established in 2018 to coordinate the Australian Government’s work to prepare for emerging transport technology, such as connected and automated vehicles. The Office works closely with state and territory road agencies to position Australia for the early and safe deployment of transport technology, to enable Australians to experience safety, productivity and accessibility benefits. A key piece of work the Office is involved in is developing vehicle safety standards to set safety arrangements that automated vehicles must meet when they are first supplied to the Australian market. |
2.3 | 182 | Implement Key Priority 5.1 (Identify and facilitate emerging technologies that improve freight outcomes) of the National Land Transport Technology Action Plan 2020 — 2023 | All | 2020 - 2023 | An updated National Land Transport Technology Action Plan (2020-23) under the National Land Transport Technology Policy Framework was agreed by Australian Infrastructure and Transport Ministers in August 2019. Priority 5.1 is related to the National Freight Strategy. Further detail on progress of this action and others will be progressing and will be included in future annual reporting cycles on the National Land Transport Technology Action Plan, commencing in November 2020. The Australian, State and Territory Governments continue to collaborate to develop more projects to meet the Action Plan’s priorities over the next three years. |
2.3 | 183 | Heavy vehicle platooning on major freight corridors | NSW | Ongoing | Transport for New South Wales is currently engaging with industry and technology suppliers looking at what technology is available for heavy vehicle platooning on major freight corridors. |
2.3 | 184 | Intelligent Congestion Management Program | NSW | Ongoing | The Intelligent Congestion Management Program was re-planned and a revised schedule agreed in January 2020. Release one was delivered on 20 July 2020 and is now in use. Release two is scheduled for March 2021 and release three in November 2021. |
2.3 | 185 | Support electric vehicles in high density areas | NSW | 3 - 5 years | Electric vehicle trials are currently on hold to allow for further consultation with all stakeholders. |
2.3 | 186 | Strategies to enable wider deployment of low emission vehicles | Qld | Ongoing | The Queensland Government is making progress towards developing a Net Zero Transport Emission Road Map. Consultation across Queensland Government agencies occurred throughout June 2020. Actions to identify emissions reduction in the freight sector are being considered as part of the final Roadmap. Queensland completed an internal desktop review of its climate risk management approach as part of a broader whole-of-government project to improve climate resilience. Further work to improve the Queensland’s management of climate risk on the transport system to improve climate resilience is underway including evaluation of the XDI (cross dependency initiative) platform to identify, rate and plan for increase natural hazard impacts to Queensland’s assets. |
2.3 | 187 | Drone Network Impact Analysis | Qld | Ongoing | Queensland has conducted modelling to identify plausible situations in which delivery drones could provide a service to the community and business that replaces existing small freight transport services. These did not include emergency response or monitoring functions for drones, although it is recognised that these could be important roles for drone technology. Use cases identified are:
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2.3 | 188 | Undertake kick-start projects to scope the potential for building hydrogen refuelling stations in every state and territory | Qld | Ongoing | The Queensland Government has committed to trial five Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles in the government fleet. This commitment is supporting the establishment of a Hydrogen Refuelling Station (HRS) at the Queensland University of Technology Kelvin Grove campus, Brisbane. The HRS is expected to be operational in early 2021. The Queensland Government has conditionally offered financial assistance to the University of Queensland to support a project which will see installation of a HRS at the university’s Gatton campus and the purchase of two Fuel Cell Electric Buses for the St Lucia to Gatton inter-campus service. The project is aiming to have the buses operating in early 2022. |
2.3 | 189 | Implement the National Land Transport Technology Action Plan | Qld | 2020 - 2021 | Queensland continues to liaise with and participate in activities facilitated by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator around the introduction and deployment of technologies and initiatives, and to work closely with Transport Certification Australia (TCA) and other jurisdictions to provide input into the development of new telematics schemes and applications for heavy vehicles. The TCA has recently established a national working group to facilitate discussions and input into the National Telematics Framework of which Queensland is a member. Queensland is currently working in partnership with TCA on a proof of concept that aims to deliver greater visibility of Oversized and Overmass vehicle movements on the Queensland road network. |
2.3 | 190 | Performance-Based Standards Policy for Restricted Access Vehicles | WA | Short term | WA has established and implemented a Performance Based Standards policy that is supported by a suite of guidelines relating to the application process, assessment process, access arrangements and auditing regime. |
2.3 | 191 | Contribute to the national low and zero emission vehicle action plan | WA | Medium term | The WA Public Sector is participating in the Low and Zero Emission Vehicle (LZEV) Working Group. The University of Western Australia was commissioned to undertake research to understand the need for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across Western Australia and the report Electric Vehicle Strategic Planning has since been released, recommending a state-wide grid of EV charging stations. A pilot trial of an EV quota for major construction projects is being implemented. If successful, a policy for an EV quota for all major projects will be developed. |
2.3 | 192 | Investigate low emissions policy levers | WA | Medium term | Through the Western Australian Electric Vehicle Strategy, the Renewable Hydrogen Unit and the Department of Transport are collaborating on the most suitable way to include hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles into strategies to increase the use of low emission vehicles. The Department of Transport has consulted with transport industry stakeholders on potential policy options to increase the use of low and zero emission vehicles, including specific consideration for freight vehicles. Policy recommendations have been made through the Electric Vehicle Working Group and will be considered by the WA Government later in 2020. |
2.3 | 193 | Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Strategy | WA | Long term | The WA Hydrogen Strategy has been developed and released. An Interagency Working Group comprising of key agencies including the Department of Transport is implementing the WA Renewable Hydrogen Strategy. |
2.3 | 194 | Real Time Traffic Congestion Management System | Tas | Ongoing | As part of the Greater Hobart Traffic Solution and measures to combat traffic congestion, the Tasmanian Government is delivering a new information management system to provide better information for traffic managers and road users through the use of traffic monitoring technology. The system will support improved monitoring and analysis of urban traffic movements. |
2.3 | 195 | Participation in intergovernmental working groups - energy savings and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions | ACT; Qld | The ACT continues to co-lead with Queensland and participate in the national work program to accelerate the uptake of low and zero emissions vehicles. | |
2.3 | 196 | Work with Wing's World-First-Urban-Based drone delivery services | Cth; ACT; Wing | Short term | Wing has been operating a drone delivery service in the ACT since April 2019 and has delivered thousands of packages on behalf of 15 local ACT businesses to residents in the Gungahlin area of north Canberra. The facility Wing is operating from in Mitchell is the first of its kind in the world. Deliveries from that facility are ongoing. |
2.4 | 197 | Integrating community engagement as a part of freight related projects | Cth | 2017 - TBD | Community engagement is a key part of multiple freight related projects. The Heavy Vehicle National Law Review, which will impact all people involved in the movement of road freight, has involved significant public consultation. The National Transport Commission has released seven issues papers and a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement as part of the community engagement of this project. |
2.4 | 198 | Safety Truck Campaign - $400,000 | Cth; Industry | 2018 - TBD | In 2018-19, the Australian Government provided $400,000 in funding as a one-off grant to the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) to support the ATA Safety Truck’s redesign and refit. The ATA Safety Truck specifically targets 16 to 25-year-old drivers and vulnerable road users to develop awareness of how to safely share the road with heavy vehicles. The ATA Safety Truck attends career expos, high schools, TAFE and universities across Australia. The NHVR provides $5,000 per year over four years to support the Safety Truck directly engaging with schools across the country and educating students about sharing the road safely with trucks. |
2.4 | 199 | Inland Rail Regional Liaison Offices | Cth | 2018 - TBD | The Australian Government established three regional offices in March 2018 in Wodonga, Dubbo and Toowoomba. A further office was opened in Moree in December 2019, prior to the commencement of construction on the Inland Rail Narrabri to North Star section. Building and maintaining a presence in regional areas has enhanced the Government’s connections with local communities, businesses, industry and local and state governments. This increased connection has been, and will continue to be, pivotal to building community awareness and acceptance of freight operations. Regional Officers have worked within their respective regions to:
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2.4 | 200 | Establishment of the Office of Road Safety | Cth | Ongoing | The Office of Road Safety was established on 1 July 2019 to provide leadership and national coordination on road safety. Development of the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 is underway with policies to reduce fatal and serious injuries involving heavy vehicles under consideration. |
2.4 | 201 | Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative - $22.1 million | Cth; Industry | Ongoing | The Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative program has provided $17.3 million to fund 62 grants over the past four years. In 2020-21, the Australian Government is providing $5.484 million to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for round five of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative program. Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative funding for Rounds 1-4 has been delivered and funding for Round 5 (2020-21) was recently announced. |
2.4 | 202 | Research into noise impacts of freight operations and effectiveness of mitigation measures to inform future initiatives | NSW | 3 - 5 years | Consultation with key government agencies will be undertaken in 2020. |
2.4 | 203 | Ensure planning accomodates the growth of the freight task and protects community amenity | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government is working across a number of initiatives that are investigating how best to address noise issues from ports and intermodal terminals, as well as considering amendments to the Three Ports State Environmental Planning Policy. Further consultation is required with key government agencies for later in 2020-21. |
2.4 | 204 | Improve planning for last mile deliveries | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government is working on a set of guidelines and a toolkit to assist local councils to understand the impact of new developments on the movement of freight, to understand best practice in designing delivery vehicle access, parking and loading space, freight and parcel storage, and waste removal facilities. The guidelines will also promote the inclusion of logistics facilities in mixed use developments and work with local councils to identify the potential of lifting delivery curfews in highly congested areas, where noise impacts can be appropriately addressed. |
2.4 | 205 | Working with councils on access for after-hours freight deliveries | Vic | 2020 - 2023 | The Victorian Government has partnered with the Municipal Association of Victoria on a two-year program to assist with engagement of local councils to deliver or contribute to a range of freight projects. Freight access issues will be considered as part of this work. The Municipal Association of Victoria has commenced early scoping and consultation with local councils to understand local freight issues and establish a Freight Policy Reference Group. |
2.4 | 206 | Cleaner Freight Initiative | Vic | This initiative has been superseded with other Inner West Land Use Planning initiatives with the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. | |
2.4 | 207 | Heavy Vehicle Safety Action Plan | Qld | 2019 - 2021 | The Queensland Government updates and circulates road rule, driver distraction education and awareness and road safety messaging via social media, truckie toolbox talks, variable message signage and websites. It promotes and supports heavy vehicle safety initiatives led by industry such as trialling SmartCap fatigue monitoring technology. See also initiative 98 under Action 1.2. |
2.4 | 208 | Integrating community engagement as a part of freight related projects | Qld | 2017 - TBD | Queensland continues to work with government and industry stakeholders to promote the importance of freight through government and industry councils and forums including the Queensland Ministerial Freight Council and the Queensland Transport and Logistic Council. Broad consultation was undertaken during development of the Queensland Freight Strategy under the guidance of the Queensland Ministerial Freight Council. Consultation was also undertaken with representatives from the industry, unions and wider community. Queensland facilitated nine regional industry and government Queensland Freight Action Plan (QFAP) workshops during August to November 2019. The QFAP, once developed, will outline a range of actions to deliver on Queensland Freight Strategy commitments. Regular extraordinary Queensland Ministerial Freight Council teleconferences, which included the membership, other key freight stakeholders and union representatives, have been held and are an important part of Queensland’s response and recovery efforts to COVID-19. |
2.4 | 209 | Improve the social license of freight | WA | Short term | Research and campaign development into the social license for freight was undertaken in 2019. The Campaign was reviewed by industry in March 2020 and is currently being updated as a result of COVID-19. A campaign launch is anticipated before the end of 2020. |
2.4 | 210 | Research travel demand management programs | WA | Medium term | The WA Government continues to implement a range of travel demand management measures, including development of the long-term cycle network for Perth and Peel, conducting travel behaviour programs in various parts of Perth and Peel to optimise active and public transport, and administering the Perth Parking Policy to reduce car use in the Perth CBD. Further policy levers and initiatives will be considered in consultation with stakeholders to continue to influence travel choices and reduce congestion, where possible, through decreasing private vehicle use in Perth and Peel regions. |
2.4 | 211 | Community engagement on issues of freight | WA | Ongoing | The Freight and Logistics Council of WA’s Freight Rail Working Group continues to implement the freight rail communication and engagement plan to assist with noise mitigation and provide information relating to rail noise. |
2.4 | 212 | Tasmanian Planning System | Tas | Ongoing | The Tasmanian Planning System provides an integrated framework to manage land use and development across Tasmania, at both a strategic and statutory level. The importance of Tasmania’s freight system, together with provisions to protect its operation, is recognised at a number of levels, including:
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2.4 | 213 | ACT Freight Strategy | ACT | Ongoing | The ACT Freight Strategy promotes strategic road freight routes within the ACT and, in accordance with the ACT’s Performance Based Standards, certain heavy vehicles are only authorised to drive on particular Canberra roads. The ACT actively engages the community through community consultations during the planning and delivery of all road infrastructure projects. Roads ACT also works closely with road freight operators and the affected community to ensure trucks are operating safely in urban areas and to address any necessary noise, parking or amenity mitigation measures on a case-by-case basis. |
3.1 | 214 | Norfolk Island Freight Planning | Cth | 2018 - 2020 | The Australian Government supports air freight to Norfolk Island by continuing to subsidise air freight to and from, which is essential due to the very thin sea freight supply chain and the current COVID-19 pandemic climate, to ensure supply chains are maintained. The Ports Management Strategy continues to be developed and has broadened in scope to examine all options that may deliver a sustained supply chain for freight. In the last 12 months the sea freight supply chain has been further eroded by the decommissioning of another break bulk supply vessel. Ports are vital infrastructure for the Norfolk Island community as the remote nature of the island means that it is heavily reliant on sea and air freight. |
3.1 | 215 | Launceston City Deal | Cth; Tas; Local Government | 2017 - 2027 | Originally a five-year plan between the Australian and Tasmanian Governments and the City of Launceston, the Launceston City Deal has now been extended to 10 years. An initiative of the Launceston City Deal is the Regional Economic Development Strategy for Northern Tasmania. Priorities identified within the draft document include better integration of regional transport and land use planning to ensure efficient supply chain connections, and leveraging road, rail and air infrastructure investment to grow freight and warehousing related businesses. The Greater Launceston Transformation Project is a nation-leading $10.3 million collaborative smart cities project, focused on initiatives to improve service delivery and increase innovation across Greater Launceston. The Project includes the Launceston Traffic Signal Upgrade Project, involving the installation of a traffic management system and use of live data from a traffic monitoring network (travel-time sensors and CCTV cameras). The traffic management system will optimise traffic flows and minimise congestion. The Launceston Smart City Mobility Project, which began in March 2020, uses data from the sensors installed for the Launceston Traffic Signal Upgrade Project as well as the installation of additional sensors and trials of smart mobility technology. The project will support the development of a strategic multi modal transport model for Greater Launceston, which will inform the development of a transport plan and supporting transport strategies for the city. |
3.1 | 216 | Albury Wodonga Regional Deal | Cth; Vic; NSW; Local Government | TBD | A formal commitment by the Australian, Victorian and NSW Governments and the Albury City and City of Wodonga Councils to develop the deal was announced on 10th July 2020. The Australian Government has provided funding of $3.2m to support councils in developing the deal. |
3.1 | 217 | South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal | Cth; Qld; Local Government | TBD | Negotiations on the Deal have been extended to 2021. |
3.1 | 218 | Hinkler Regional Deal | Cth; Qld; Local Government | TBD | On 30 January 2020, the Hinkler Regional Deal Implementation Plan was signed by the Australian Government along with Fraser Coast and Bundaberg Regional Councils. The Australian Government is working with deal partners and the Queensland Government to progress the land transport infrastructure projects tied to the Hinkler Deal. A business case for new port infrastructure is underway which will inform the design of the multi-use conveyor. A transport strategy is underway to inform the Quay St upgrade. |
3.1 | 219 | Inland Rail corridor preservation | Cth; Qld | 2017 - 2023 | Queensland is negotiating the finalisation of a Land Acquisition Deed to enable the acquisition of the Inland Rail corridor with all costs funded by the Australian Rail Track Corporation. Investigation and planning are underway to enable extensive resumptions to commence in 2020–21, but this is subject to agreements and the Environmental Impact Statement approval. Since execution of an Inland Rail Acquisition Protocol Deed in 2019, the Australian Rail Track Corporation and Transport for NSW have been working together on the resumption of land required on multiple sections of the Inland Rail project. The substantive corridor for the Inland Rail project via the North East Rail Line in Victoria already has sufficient protections in place. Small amounts of additional land may be required outside the existing corridor in order to deliver Inland Rail. These additional parcels will be considered on an as-needs basis as the project is delivered. The Victorian and Australian Governments are also jointly developing business cases for the Interstate Freight Precinct and Outer Metropolitan Ring corridor. |
3.1 | 220 | Highway Corridor Strategies - $5 million | Cth | 2018 - 2019 | The Princes Highway Corridor Strategy was published in October 2019. The Strategy examined the full length of the Highway corridor and identified opportunities for informed investment in the short, medium and long term that align to the shared priorities of the Australian and state governments. The Corridor Strategy is informing future investment decisions by the Australian and Victorian Governments. In August 2018, the Australian Government committed up to $2 million to develop a Newell Highway Corridor Strategy. The Australian Government fully funded the Strategy and it was published on 19 August 2019. The Strategy is informing future investment on the Newell Highway between the Queensland and Victorian borders to maximise productivity gains for freight users on the corridor. To date, the following projects identified in the Strategy are in planning or delivery phase:
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3.1 | 221 | Townsville City Deal | Cth; Qld; Local Government | 2016 - 2031 | On 21 February 2020, the Deal’s third annual progress report was released. A formal review of the first three years of the Deal is also currently underway. Work on City Deal projects including widening the approach channel to the Port of Townsville and the preservation of the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor is underway. The Townsville Industrial Development Board was established in 2019 and meets quarterly to identify opportunities for industrial development in Townsville, including in the State Development Area southeast of the city. |
3.1 | 222 | Western Sydney City Deal | Cth; NSW; Local Government | 2018 - 2038 | Planning for the Aerotropolis, including an agribusiness precinct and other relevant land uses is continuing. It is anticipated that the Western Aerotropolis Planning Package, along with the precinct plans, will be in place by the end of 2020. |
3.1 | 223 | Hobart City Deal | Cth; Tas; Local Government | 2019 - 2029 | The Hobart City Deal is a 10-year plan between the Australian and Tasmanian Governments and the Clarence, Hobart, Glenorchy and Kingborough councils. Key freight-related initiatives include:
Projects to reduce road congestion on the southern, northern and eastern inlets are progressing in line with the Hobart City Deal Implementation Plan. Work continues on the commencement of international flights from Hobart Airport, which will include significant freight between Tasmania and overseas markets. |
3.1 | 224 | National Airports Safeguarding Framework | All | Ongoing | The Australian Government continues to work with jurisdictions to influence issues through the National Airports Safeguarding Advisory Group. This work has been continuing with lower than normal resources to enable redeployment in support of the response to COVID-19. The WA Government is undertaking a policy review to holistically address all matters in relation to land use planning and development in the vicinity of airports throughout Western Australia, including matters of noise and safety. This work will have regard to the National Airports Safeguarding Framework and its application to regional airports. Queensland’s State Planning Policy requires key transport corridors and precincts, including ports and airports, to be identified and protected in planning instruments. The State Planning Policy is Queensland’s primary mechanism for implementing the National Airports Safeguarding Framework and is generally regarded as national best practice. The Victorian Minister for Planning appointed the Melbourne Airport Environs Safe guarding Standing Advisory Committee in December 2019. The Committee’s Terms of Reference include advice to the Minister on further implementation of National Airports Safeguarding Framework through the Victoria Planning Provisions and Planning Scheme. |
3.1 | 225 | Geelong City Deal | Cth; Vic; Local Government | 2019 - 2029 | A Geelong City Deal Implementation Plan has been developed and published. The Australian Government, Victorian Government and City of Geelong have collectively committed $370 million of funding to deliver actions under the Plan to revitalise Geelong and unlock the potential of the Great Ocean Road visitor economy. The Geelong City Deal is piloting new technologies across central Geelong to optimise public safety and reduce congestion. |
3.1 | 226 | Adelaide City Deal | Cth; SA; Local Government | 2019 - 2029 | The Adelaide City Deal partners are implementing planning reforms and strategies so that the growing population is supported by accessible housing, infrastructure and services. The Infrastructure South Australia 20 Year State Infrastructure Strategy was released in March 2020. |
3.1 | 227 | Perth City Deal | Cth; SA; Local Government | TBD | Negotiation on the Perth City Deal is now focused on the CBD, not the METRONET investment. WA is in ongoing discussions with the Commonwealth Government regarding a City Deal for Perth. Transport elements are being considered as part of this deal, but nothing has been finalised as yet. |
3.1 | 228 | Darwin City Deal | Cth; NT; Local Government | 2018 - 2028 | The Darwin City Deal is progressing well and recently released its first annual report on 9 July 2020. |
3.1 | 229 | Deliver initiatives to improve the efficiency of urban freight | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government is working on a set of guidelines and a toolkit to assist local councils to understand the impact of new developments on the movement of freight, to understand best practice in designing delivery vehicle access, parking and loading space, freight and parcel storage, and waste removal facilities. The NSW Government is working with local councils to identify the potential of lifting delivery curfews in highly congested areas, where noise impacts can be appropriately addressed. This item ties in with initiative 204. |
3.1 | 230 | Support local councils to improve the amenity of key urban centres through good planning for freight and servicing in new developments | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government is working on a set of guidelines and a toolkit to assist local councils to understand the impact of new developments on the movement of freight, to understand best practice in designing delivery vehicle access, parking and loading space, freight and parcel storage, and waste removal facilities. Transport for NSW has also reviewed and commented on freight considerations for more than 100 Local Council Local Strategic Planning Statements in NSW in both Sydney and regional locations. |
3.1 | 231 | Ensure that freight and logistics land and corridors are identified and protected from sensitive land uses | NSW | Ongoing | This initiative is ongoing as Transport for NSW will continue to ensure that freight and logistics are considered in land use discussions, particularly around important trade gateways such as Port Botany, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Airport, the Western Sydney Airport and Newcastle Port.
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3.1 | 232 | Review and update State planning policies to address issues around freight and port noise | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government is currently investigating how best to address noise issues from ports and intermodal terminals and are working with key agencies involved like the Environment Protection Authority’s Noise Management Working Group. |
3.1 | 233 | Investigate options to amend the State Environmental Planning Policy (Three Ports) 2013 | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government is currently considering amendments to the Three Ports State Environmental Planning Policy. Further consultation with key agencies will be undertaken in 2020/21. |
3.1 | 234 | Review and update the Development Near Rail Corridors and Busy Roads - Interim Guideline to ensure it reflects the latest evidence and practices | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government will do further consultation with key agencies in 2020/21. |
3.1 | 235 | Amplification of the Southern Sydney Freight Line | NSW | 0 - 2 years | This initiative is in progress and is subject to a final business case. Project will be delivered by the Australian Rail Track Corporation and is funded through the Australian Government. |
3.1 | 236 | Victorian Ports Strategy | Vic | 2020 - 2021 | The Victorian Department of Transport has an independent review underway to examine the function and performance of Victoria’s port system and make recommendations to ensure Victoria’s ports are best positioned to meet future needs. The Review of the Victorian Ports Sector is a crucial early step in the development of a Victorian Ports Strategy. The review will make recommendations to Government for consideration and response. A discussion paper has been released as part of the consultation process to help inform the review, which is expected be finalised late-2020. Following the consideration of review recommendations, it is expected that the Victorian Port Strategy will be developed to coordinate a response. |
3.1 | 237 | Identify and reserve sites for new freight terminals and precincts | Vic; Local Government | Ongoing | The Victorian Department of Transport has partnered with the Municipal Association of Victoria on a two-year program to assist with engagement of local councils to deliver or contribute to a range of freight projects. This project may be included in the two-year program of work. The Municipal Association of Victoria has commenced early scoping and consultation with local councils to understand local freight issues and establish a Freight Policy Reference Group. |
3.1 | 238 | Green Triangle Freight Action Plan | Vic; SA | 2009 - Present | A steering committee has been established and meets regularly to progress the actions under the updated Green Triangle Freight Action Plan. $4 million of funding has been previously committed, and a further $80 million has been committed by the Australian Government under the Roads of Strategic Importance program. This funding will be invested in asset renewal of road corridors critical for the Green Triangle freight task, including bridge strengthening for high productivity freight vehicles, and further planning work to cater for future renewable energy freight activities. |
3.1 | 239 | Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor | Qld | Ongoing | In 2018–19, the Queensland government completed a review of land requirements for the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor to determine the extent of required land acquisitions. In 2019–20, stakeholder engagement with impacted landowners commenced and will be ongoing during the land acquisitions. Planning for environmental-approval requirements of the infrastructure corridor is in progress. $10 million has been committed to preserve the corridor, with the Australian and Queensland Governments each committing $5 million. The Queensland Government has expended $0.6 million to date. |
3.1 | 240 | Port of Brisbane Rail Access Corridor Preservation | Qld; Cth | 2022 | A Preliminary Evaluation has been completed and two potential corridors have been identified. The findings of the Preliminary Evaluation will be released publicly. Initial planning and the Preliminary Evaluation cost $1.5 million. The Australian Government has committed $20 million to do further planning to refine the findings of the Preliminary Evaluation and to progress towards a Business Case. The further planning will include market sounding. Scoping and Procurement documentation is being prepared in anticipation of approval for the project to commence in August 2020. The market sounding report and draft further planning report are scheduled for the end of 2021 with the final report and project completion by mid-2022. |
3.1 | 241 | Supply Chain Strategy for the North West Minerals Province | Qld | 2019 - 2023 | To support key enabling infrastructure for the North West Minerals Province, the Queensland Government is providing through the Mount Isa Line Incentive Scheme $80 million over four years ($20 million each year) to incentivise more freight on rail on the Mount Isa Line and encourage a shift from road to rail. |
3.1 | 242 | National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy National Action Plan implementation arrangements | Qld | 2020 | The Queensland Freight Action Plan is being developed to implement the Queensland Freight Strategy and forms Queensland’s plan for the implementation of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy National Action Plan. Queensland’s commitments to the national freight agenda expressed in the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy National Action Plan are elements of the Queensland Freight Action Plan. |
3.1 | 243 | Regional Transport Plans | Qld; Local Government | Ongoing | The Queensland Government is working with state and local government and other key stakeholders throughout Queensland to develop a suite of Regional Transport Plans (RTP). These plans will guide the planning of an efficient and responsive transport system in Queensland over the next 15 years. The delivery of the plans is a requirement of the Transport Planning and Coordination Act (1994). The plans provide a bridge between local, Queensland and Australian Government planning, drawing from and supporting the region’s goals. RTP are developed with key stakeholders, including representatives from state and local government, business and industry to prioritise and manage the transport system so that it effectively supports regional communities, growth and productivity. RTP have been published for nine regions in Queensland and a draft RTP for South East Queensland. Every RTP includes an action to develop a Regional Freight Plan. |
3.1 | 244 | Ensure existing and future freight corridors and intermodal terminals are identified and protected during land use planning decision making processes | Qld | Ongoing | As part of the Transport System Planning Program under the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program, Queensland undertakes a range of transport planning for freight. Completed transport planning that is endorsed for protection under the Queensland Government’s Approved Planning Policy is then mapped and made publicly available via the State Planning Program and development assessment mapping system. This mapping informs plan making and development assessment, including which applications are referred to the state for assessment. Approved planning is also used to inform the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads’ Property Search Service results. |
3.1 | 245 | Identify and protect freight and logistics land, corridors and precincts | WA | Short term | The WA Government is committed to participating in national forums and assisting in the identification and protection of WA freight and logistics, land, corridors and precincts. The WA Department of Transport continues to advocate for the protection of freight and logistics land, corridors and precincts through participation in various working groups and forums. |
3.1 | 246 | Reviews Strategies (Roads 2030) | WA; Local Government | Short term | In September 2019, Main Roads WA commenced its review of ROADS 2030. The aim of the review is to create new documents for each Regional Road Group (or Sub-Group) for identifying regional strategies for Regionally Significant Local Government Roads. Main Roads WA has partnered with the Western Australian Local Government Authority to deliver the review and it is expected to be completed in 2021. |
3.1 | 247 | Implement State Planning Policy 5.4 (road and rail noise) | WA | Short term | State Planning Policy 5.4 has been implemented since September 2019. It is supported by road and rail noise guidelines and state-wide mapping of strategic freight routes, significant freight/traffic routes, and proposed strategic freight routes. |
3.1 | 248 | Review Perth and Peel @3.5 million frameworks | WA | Short term | The WA Government is currently reviewing planning investigation areas identified in the Perth and Peel @3.5 million frameworks. The current review will feed into a broader review of the frameworks, scheduled to commence in 2021. |
3.1 | 249 | Publication of research investment decision making report | WA | Short term | iMOVE Project 2.001, Planning intermodal and general logistics infrastructure for the future needs of Perth, has been completed. |
3.1 | 250 | Outback Way - Upgrade and Seal | WA | Medium term | The Outback Way project is underway. In May 2020, funding and a contract were awarded for progressing sealing (41 kilometres) of the Great Central Road (Outback Way). |
3.1 | 251 | Planning Reform - (Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016) | SA | Ongoing | The Planning and Design Code came into effect in the outback regions of South Australia in July 2019, rural areas from April 2020 and urban areas from July 2020. A process has been established to work with councils and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. All issues are logged within a register and a governance structure is in place to recommend changes to the State Planning Commission. |
3.1 | 252 | Green Triangle Freight Action Plan | SA; Vic | Ongoing | The Planning and Design Code came into effect in the outback regions of South Australia in July 2019, rural areas from April 2020 and urban areas from July 2020. A process has been established to work with councils and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. All issues are logged within a register and a governance structure is in place to recommend changes to the State Planning Commission. |
3.1 | 253 | ACT Planning Strategy | ACT | Short term | In accordance with the ACT Planning Strategy 2018, decisions regarding the strategic location of growth continue to have regard to existing freight networks and requirements. Through the Environment Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, the ACT Government has also engaged across jurisdictional boundaries by providing input to the NSW Government and surrounding local councils on strategic planning matters concerning freight. For example, the Directorate provided detailed input to the Local Strategic Planning Statements prepared by the Snowy Monaro Regional Council and Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council during 2020. |
3.1 | 254 | Progressing a planning and statutory environmental approval process | ACT | Short term | The ACT Government continues to progress a statutory strategic assessment approval processes under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) for the Eastern Broadacre area. This process will determine the locations for future rezonings of land for new industrial and employment precincts on the eastern side of Canberra, near Canberra Airport and along national freight routes. Freight requirements and opportunities will be a key consideration in the future as will more detailed planning of precincts in Eastern Broadacre. Due to COVID-19, public notification of the draft strategic assessment documentation is on-hold. |
3.2 | 255 | National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework - Freight Resilience Pilot Project | Cth | Completed | See initiative 1 under Action 1.1. |
3.2 | 256 | Liquid Fuel Security Review | Cth | 2018 - Present | On 15 June 2020, the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction announced a package for enhancing Australia’s Fuel Security, which included:
The Australian Fuel Security package has been informed by the work done under the Liquid Fuel Security Review. The review is being updated in light of the bushfire and COVID-19 crises of this year. |
3.2 | 257 | Development of Australian Transport Assessment and Planning Urban Freight Modelling Guidelines | All | 2020 - 2021 | The development of the urban freight modelling guidelines had been delayed but is now underway. The project is being led by Queensland on behalf of the ATAP Steering Committee. All states and territories will contribute to the project through the ATAP Steering Committee. The guidelines will be finalised by March 2021. |
3.2 | 258 | National Urban Freight Planning Principles (formerly National Urban Planning Forum) | Cth | TBD | The Australian Government has drafted proposed National Urban Freight Planning Principles in consultation with state counterparts. Ongoing consultation on the principles with industry and related stakeholders will culminate in public forums to be held in late 2020 to early 2021, before endorsement is sought from the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers in late 2021. States and territories are assisting in the development of national planning principles through the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy Jurisdictional Working Group. |
3.2 | 259 | Assist local councils to plan for freight needs | NSW | Ongoing | See initiative 91 under Action 1.2. |
3.2 | 260 | Bay West Container Port | Vic | 2021 - TBD | The Victorian Government is progressing with the development of a Victorian Ports Strategy. The development of the Victorian Port Strategy will incorporate next steps for planning and securing Bay West as Victoria’s second container port. A business case will be developed for funding Bay West planning and will be coordinated with the Victorian Port Strategy business case development (see initiative 236 under Action 3.1). |
3.2 | 261 | Review and enhance protection of Principal Freight Network | Vic | TBD | The Victorian Government has progressed work on the Principal Freight Network review, conducting a detailed assessment to recommend changes to the Principal Freight Network. Preparations are being made to conduct external stakeholder consultation to enable finalisation of the changes to the updated network maps. The Government is currently reviewing options for how best to integrate proposed strengthened planning protections for the Principal Freight Network into the Victoria Planning Provisions, as part of a wider review of the provisions. |
3.2 | 262 | Dynon Freight Precinct Master Planning | Vic | TBD | A program of work to establish a strategic policy position on the long-term use of the Dynon precinct is underway. The Victorian Planning Authority has developed a Dynon Framework Plan, which is a land use strategy that helps integrate and coordinate the precincts various port, freight, transport and urban renewal opportunities. The Framework is an internal Victorian Government document which confirms governments’ intentions for the area and will guide the next phase of detailed precinct planning and investment. In late 2019, VicTrack undertook an Expression of Interest market process for the lease of land at Melbourne Market/South Dynon rail precinct between Dynon Road and Footscray Road. The Expression of Interest sought proposals regarding the use of the site in the short-, medium- and long-term. Further strategic planning work is underway to inform the next stage Request for Proposal. |
3.2 | 263 | Reviewing and upgrading state and territory planning policies relating to freight | Qld | Short term | Queensland has commenced development of integrated multi-modal Regional Freight Plans to identify and prioritise freight network improvements to support supply chain efficiency across the region. The plans will consider current and emerging freight demands including future resource and agricultural sector freight requirements; access and movement requirements for oversize over-mass and high productivity vehicles; first and last mile links; and the role of the of the regional ports, airports, rail terminals, and key freight routes. Development of the North Queensland Regional Freight Plan commenced in late July 2020 as an action for the North Queensland Regional Transport Plan. |
3.2 | 264 | Protecting land for freight and logistics in metropolitan areas | Qld | See Master Planning for Priority Ports (initiative 275, Action Area 3.2), Bundaberg State Development Area (initiative 276, Action Area 3.2), Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor (initiative 239, Action Area 3.1), Port of Brisbane Rail Access Corridor Preservation (initiative 240, Action Area 3.1) and Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (initiative 33, Action Area 1.1). | |
3.2 | 265 | Master Planning for Priority Ports | Qld | Ongoing | Priority port master planning will support the sustainable development of critical economic infrastructure, the state’s priority ports, in a way that will balance growth, job creation, environmental values and community interests. A final master plan for the Port of Gladstone was released on 5 November 2018 and a final master plan for the Port of Townsville was released on 4 November 2019. On 4 November 2019, draft port overlays for the Ports of Gladstone and Townsville were released for public consultation until 16 December 2019. The draft port overlays clearly define the regulatory and developmental considerations in the master planned areas for those two ports. The next steps in the master planning process is the consideration of submissions and the preparation of final port overlays. |
3.2 | 266 | Bundaberg State Development Area Development Scheme | Qld | Ongoing | The Bundaberg State Development Area (SDA) was declared in February 2017 to provide land for port-related and industrial activities around the Port of Bundaberg. A development scheme for the Bundaberg SDA was approved in December 2017. The SDA is intended to provide a location for regionally significant industrial development, support the continued growth of the port, and coordinate the provision of freight, energy and other critical infrastructure to these areas. |
3.2 | 267 | Development of Australian Transport Assessment and Planning urban frieght guidelines | Qld | Ongoing | Queensland is an active member of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy Jurisdictional Working Group and is engaged in the development processes for the Australian Transport Assessment and Planning urban freight guidelines. Priority port master planning will support the sustainable development of critical economic infrastructure, the state’s priority ports, in a way that will balance growth, job creation, environmental values and community interests. |
3.2 | 268 | Reviewing and upgrading state and territory planning policies relating to freight | WA | Short term | The WA Government is committed to participating in national forums and assisting in reviewing and upgrading planning policies. State Planning Policy 5.4 - Road and Rail Noise has been implemented from September 2019, and has objectives that include:
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3.2 | 269 | Protecting land for freight and logistics in metropolitan areas | WA | Short term | The WA Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is committed to participating in national forums and assisting in protecting freight corridors. The Perth and Peel @3.5m Frameworks that identify industrial land and transport corridors are scheduled for review in 2021. |
3.2 | 270 | Ports Master Plan | WA | Short term | Six port master plans have been completed, one is in progress, two are about to be developed, and one is on hold. Of the six that are complete, three are very current (2020), two are dated 2017, and one is dated 2014. The following Port Master Plans are in place:
The Port of Esperance Master Plan is currently in progress. Work is expected to commence sometime in August, following award of the project to a consultant. Development of the Port of Bunbury and Port of Albany Master Plans has not yet commenced. The scope of work for both the master plans are currently being prepared, with work on both scheduled to commence in 2020-21. The Port of Fremantle Master Plan is on hold, awaiting completion of the Westport: Ports and Environs Strategy. |
3.2 | 271 | Westport: Ports and Environs Strategy | WA | Long term | The Westport Taskforce has completed Stage 2 Outcomes Report which is currently being considered by the WA Government. |
3.2 | 272 | Review of Perth inner city freight movements | WA | Medium term | Completion of the Perth CBD Transport plan has been split into two phases. Phase 1 is due for completion around mid-2020, with Phase 2 in December 2020. Work has been conducted to produce the draft Perth CBD Transport Plan, which included an examination of inner-city freight movements including a study and survey conducted by the City of Perth. Based on these findings, several projects to support freight movements have been identified. These include: a project looking to improve deliveries to the mall super block; a study of kerbside access (including loading zones); and the exploration of technological efficiencies which could assist in optimising movement of freight vehicles. |
3.2 | 273 | Tasmanian Planning Policies | Tas | 2019 - 2021 | Tasmanian Planning Policies will provide an integrated and coherent suite of land use planning policies, principles and strategies, organised under key themes (e.g. transport, housing, extractive industries). The Tasmanian Planning Policies will articulate the importance of protecting the capacity, safety and efficiency of Tasmania’s major freight transport networks and assets. |
3.2 | 274 | Updated 10 Year Tasmanian Infrastructure Pipeline | Tas; Cth | 2019 - 2029 | The pipeline maps out planned infrastructure development for the next decade, with projects totalling an estimated $15.2 billion. This includes a 2019-20 Federal Budget investment of $3.6 billion and $300 million investment in roads and bridges for 2019-20 alone. A 2020 pipeline update is under development. |
3.2 | 275 | 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy | Tas; Cth | 2019 - 2049 | As part of the Tasmanian Government’s long term planning for Tasmania’s future, a 30-year Infrastructure Strategy will establish a framework to inform the Government’s infrastructure investment decisions, given their large cost and long-term nature. The Strategy will help unlock further economic development in Tasmania. A draft Strategy was released late in 2019. |
3.2 | 276 | Review of Regional Land Use Strategies | Tas | 2021 - TBD | Regional land use strategies set the medium to longer-term strategic directions for each of Tasmania’s three regions. The existing strategies identify key regional freight networks and assets, and outline principles to protect their operation. The existing regional strategies will be reviewed once the Tasmanian Planning Policies now under development are finalised. |
3.2 | 277 | Tasmanian Planning Scheme | Tas | Ongoing | The State Planning Provisions provide consistent planning rules for use and development under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme. The Provisions were developed in consultation with key industry stakeholders to ensure appropriate consideration was afforded to industry and the transport sector’s interests. Key protections such as appropriate attenuation and buffer areas along major freight transport corridors and assets are provided for under the State Planning Provisions. The implementation of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme across the State over the coming years will deliver greater consistency of decision-making and protection of key freight infrastructure. |
3.2 | 278 | ACT-NSW Memorandum of Understanding for Regional Collaboration | ACT; NSW | Ongoing | The ACT-NSW Memorandum of Understanding for Regional Collaboration was re-signed in 2020 by the ACT and NSW. It includes in its priority work areas a commitment to work together and with the Canberra Region Joint Organisation to develop a Canberra Region Economic Development Strategy. This Strategy is expected to include joint priorities to strengthen the consideration of freight in government planning and decision-making as it relates to the Canberra Region. The Memorandum of Understanding also commits to the development of a regional infrastructure priority list. Freight considerations will be a key input into this work. |
3.2 | 279 | Canberra Region Joint Organisation's Transport and Freight Infrastructure Prospectus | ACT | Ongoing | The ACT continues to participate as an Associate Member in the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO). Through the CRJO, the ACT has supported the development of the CRJO Transport and Freight Infrastructure Prospectus. The ACT will continue to work with the CRJO to identify and promote the key regional infrastructure needs to support the growth of the region |
3.3 | 280 | Grant funding to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to undertake road access improvements for heavy vehicles - $8 million | Cth | 2019 - 2021 | The 2019-20 Budget allocated $8 million over two years to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to fund engineering assessments for local government owned road network infrastructure, and to build an asset collection database. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project team has now been established and is progressing with the initial phases of work. There are two phases in the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project:
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3.3 | 281 | Encourage the use of the Restricted Access Vehicle Route Assessment Tool | All; NHVR | Ongoing | The Restricted Access Vehicle Route Assessment Tool is a cutting edge online tool capable of performing route assessments for restricted access vehicles. The tool provides local governments with a consistent assessment methodology, providing a defensible position when responding to access requests. The tool is now free for local governments from participating jurisdictions through the support of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and local government associations. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) and local government associations partnered to deliver the tool. Funding is ongoing until 2022 and will be reviewed at that time. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has worked with ARRB to further enhance the tool with new assessment modules (e.g. implementation of a swept path tool as requested by local governments). New developers at ARRB have been on-boarded to progress development of the tool. |
3.3 | 282 | Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme | Cth | Ongoing | On 23 August 2020, the Australian Government announced improvements to the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme to modernise its operation and enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. The first three elements were implemented on 1 October 2019:
As at 3 July 2020, the fourth element - to implement assistance for the shipment from the mainland to Tasmania of eligible imported goods that do not have an Australian equivalent - is under consideration by the Australian Government. |
3.3 | 283 | A national framework for high productivity vehicles | Cth | Ongoing | On 1 August 2020, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator issued the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2020 (No. 2). This Notice expands the road network available to road trains, including:
Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan 2020-2025
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3.3 | 284 | National Harmonisation Program | Cth | Ongoing | The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is leading the National Harmonisation Program to improve heavy vehicle regulation consistency.The key objectives of this program are to minimise the compliance burden on the heavy vehicle transport industry, reducing duplication and inconsistencies across state and territory borders. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has delivered significant national access reforms including the:
The NHVR is continuing the National Harmonisation Program and has commenced a review of:
National Notice Advisory GroupThe NHVR established a National Heavy Vehicle Notice Advisory Group in 2020 to provide a forum in which the NHVR and state and territory government members may discuss notice development – ensuring that national outcomes are supported as much as possible with input accounting for local needs and knowledge. |
3.3 | 285 | Delegations project | Cth; Industry | Ongoing | On 1 June 2020, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator began processing Class 1 Oversize Overmass permit applications within New South Wales, marking the official completion of the Return of Delegations Project. The processing of Class 1 Oversize Overmass permit applications within Queensland also transferred to the Regulator during the year, with effect from 16 December 2019. Since April 2017, a total of 12 delegated approval responsibilities have returned to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, and it now issues heavy vehicle access permits in all Heavy Vehicle National Law-participating states and territories. Heavy vehicle operators requiring an access permit to travel on roads in participating jurisdictions have a single point of contact through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Portal for the entire route, including all state, territory and local council roads. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Return of Delegations Project officially concluded on 30 June 2020 and the Regulator now processes all heavy vehicle road access applications and issues permits in all participating states and territories. |
3.3 | 286 | Reforming the Performance-Based Standards scheme | Cth | 2018 - TBD | The National Transport Commission is reviewing the Heavy Vehicle National Law, including the provisions dealing with Performance Based Standards design approvals. Separately, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is progressively reviewing specific standards contained in the Performance Based Standards scheme, such as frontal swing requirements to ensure the PBS scheme reflects the highest standards of safety and provides further opportunities to improve productivity. |
3.3 | 287 | Inland Rail intermodal terminals planning | Cth; Qld; Vic | 2019 - 2022 | The Australian Government and the Queensland Government are currently progressing an intermodal terminal business case that will look at intermodal needs to support Inland rail within South East Queensland. The Australian and Victorian governments are currently undertaking a business case considering intermodal terminal requirements in Melbourne including to support Inland Rail. See further updates at Development of Inland Rail terminals in Melbourne and Brisbane (initiative 6) at Action 1.1 and Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program (initiative 78) at Action 1.2. |
3.3 | 288 | Build local government road netowrk asset management and maintenance capability | Cth | TBD | In the 2019-20 Budget, the Australian Government provided $2.6 million funding to the Australian Road Research Board to work with local governments to improve road asset management and maintenance to support improved road safety and enhanced productivity outcomes for freight. In addition, the 2019–20 Budget allocated $8.0 million over two years to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to fund engineering assessments for local government owned road network infrastructure, and to build an asset collection database. |
3.3 | 289 | Streamline the heavy vehicle road access approval process | All | Ongoing | On 9 November 2018, Infrastructure and Transport Ministers agreed to the release of the Oversize Overmass Vehicle Access Arrangements Review Report. The Australian Government has been progressing the recommendations from the review. This includes streamlining the access approval process by encouraging the development of pre-approvals and notices to replace permits, where possible. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and jurisdictions will continue to develop pre-approvals and notices to reduce permit volumes as opportunities arise, noting that volumes will be driven by outside factors such as economic conditions.
Expansion of pre-approved and gazetted networks Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan 2020-2025
Approved Guidelines for Granting Access |
3.3 | 290 | Road Vehicle Standards legislation implementation | Cth | 2019 - TBD | Applications for testing facility approvals under the Road Vehicle Standards legislation went live from 6 May 2020. This will allow sufficient time for applicants for component type approvals, which are relied upon by the heavy vehicle industry, to ensure that any test results submitted in support of their application are from an approved testing facility. Applications for component type approvals are expected to be made available from late September. All applications made under the Road Vehicle Standards legislation can be made online via a new IT system, ROVER, which will streamline the application process for industry. The Road Vehicle Standards legislation, which strengthens the regulatory framework and reduces regulatory burden on industry, is expected to be fully implemented by 1 July 2021. |
3.3 | 291 | Road Domestic Border Controls - Freight Movements Protocol and Code | All | 2020 | National Cabinet agreed to the Freight Movements Protocol on 24 July 2020, as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure freight continues to flow across borders in a COVIDSafe manner. National Cabinet agreed to the Freight Movement Code for the Domestic Border Controls—Freight Movement Protocol on 7 August 2020. The enforceable measures in the Freight Movement Code will deliver greater consistency between states and territories when implementing their border controls. |
3.3 | 292 | Fund infrastructure assessment and upgrades to increase heavy vehicle road access | NSW | Short term | See initiative 87 under Action 1.2. |
3.3 | 293 | Progressing freight and export opportunities identified in the economic analysis of direct international air-freight options and Future Transport 2056. | ACT; NSW | The NSW Government commissioned an independent, pre-feasibility study to improve international air freight connectivity in regional NSW and identify ways to get NSW’s perishable produce to international markets sooner. The study assessed:
Initial findings from the report show that investments in improving regional air freight supply chains may be feasible, but further investigation is needed to ensure public money is committed to the areas that will produce the best results for NSW producers. The NSW Government will now focus on the next phase of investigation, which involves in-depth analysis of market demand and the supply chain, industry engagement and an economic, commercial and financial evaluation of the opportunity. This work is expected to be completed in 2020. See also ACT’s update at initiative 320, below. |
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3.3 | 294 | Port of Melbourne Infrastructure pricing and access review | Vic | Completed | See initiative 142 under Action 1.4. |
3.3 | 295 | Independent review of Oversize Overmass Access Arrangements Recommendations | Qld | 2020 - 2021 | Queensland will continue to engage with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, other state jurisdictions and the Australian Government to progress the remaining recommendations. Nineteen of the 38 recommendations from the National Oversize Overmass Review have been completed, with a further five currently in the process of being implemented. Queensland continues to work collaboratively with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to transition permitted access to nationally harmonised National Notices. Key examples of success with this initiative include:
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3.3 | 296 | Investigate scheduling and operating procedures to improve rail freight access and flows | Qld | Short term | The Rail Network Strategy has been completed and is awaiting government consideration to determine funding for implementation. This 10-year network-wide rail strategy has focused to date on the south-east Queensland region’s passenger requirements. A 30-year strategy underpinning the Rail Planning Program is also being prepared to inform future pre-investment rail planning and coordination, in addition to sequencing of network improvements over the long-term. Freight is a critical component of the rail network with the freight strategy for the south-east Queensland region to be undertaken during the 2020–21 financial year. A further state-wide freight strategy will be undertaken in the second half of 2021. |
3.3 | 297 | South East Queensland Urban Freight Strategy | Qld | Ongoing | This will be addressed as part of the draft South East Queensland Regional Transport Plan and Regional Freight Plan. |
3.3 | 298 | Improve management and use of loading zones in key urban centres | Qld | Short term | The draft South East Queensland Regional Transport Plan recognises urban freight and goods delivery within the region and requires adequate physical space for loading and deliveries. |
3.3 | 299 | Fund infrastructure assessment and upgrades to increase heavy vehicle road access | Qld | Short term | See initiative 96 under Action 1.2. |
3.3 | 300 | Improve training and education programs for local road managers regarding restricted access vehicle permit processes | All | Short term | Queensland is actively conducting on-going technical training programs across the state to improve consistency in heavy vehicle access decision making and associated competence for local government engineers. A recent session was conducted in Roma in mid-July 2020. |
3.3 | 301 | Independent review of Oversize Overmass Access Arrangements Recommendations | WA | 2020 - 2021 | Of the remaining Oversize Overmass review recommendations, three packages of work have been defined:
The WA Government continues to retain its membership on the national working group and adopt recommendations where appropriate and relevant to the WA environment. |
3.3 | 302 | Improve management and use of loading zones in key urban centres | WA | Short term | Consultation and research conducted as part of the development of the Perth CBD Transport Plan identified that growing demand and increasing competition for access to limited kerbside space made guidance a priority. The Plan proposes that a framework be developed to present potential solutions for management and prioritisation of kerbside space, including loading zones. |
3.3 | 303 | Investigate scheduling and operating procedures to improve rail freight access and flows | WA | Short term | The Public Transport Authority has recast maintenance requirements in the Fremantle area to provide additional pathways for one of the train operators. It will continue to review requests for additional or ad-hoc pathways which are actioned as capacity permits. Arc Infrastructure is implementing the Enhanced Network Control Program. This will transform how the rail freight network is managed and operated, as it moves from a conventional signal and voice authority-based train control system to a communication based train management system. The program is based on a phased implementation model to minimise risk, provide flexibility, and ensure interoperability as technology develops throughout the phases. Phase 1 of the program is currently being executed and will provide the platform for all future phases. |
3.3 | 304 | Fund infrastructure assessment and upgrades to increase heavy vehicle road access | WA | Short term | The WA Government continues to participate in national forums and undertake infrastructure assessments to upgrade access for restricted access vehicles. |
3.3 | 305 | Improve training and education programs for local road managers regarding restricted access vehicle permit processes | All | Short term | The WA Government continues to participate in national training and education forums for local road managers. |
3.3 | 306 | Growth State | SA | Ongoing | Nine priority sectors have been identified as focus areas because of their strong potential to meet increasing interstate and global demand, attract investors and leverage comparative advantages. These include Food, Wine and Agribusiness and Energy and Mining. Relevant state agencies are working with industry to develop sector plans. |
3.3 | 307 | Le Fevre Peninsula Master Plan | SA | Ongoing | A complementary transport study was completed in 2019, focussing on the impacts of development of the Osborne Naval Shipyard. |
3.3 | 308 | Time Sensitive Freight - Understanding Tasmania's Market | Tas | Ongoing | This study will determine the size and value of Tasmania’s time sensitive freight market to assist in the identification of reliable data sources by commodity and better understand potential future growth. |
3.3 | 309 | Maintaining National Freight Routes | ACT; NHVR | Ongoing | Planning and maintaining nationally significant freight routes in the ACT is ongoing, as it endeavours to enhance both freight capacity and network resilience (bushfire hazard and natural disaster) in the ACT region. As this also closely relates to the adjoining cross border transport infrastructure priorities, this means that future policy and planning must increasingly be a shared responsibility between the ACT, adjoining jurisdictions, transport operators, freight bodies and other organisations advocating for these freight needs and anticipated growth. The ACT continues to maintain up-to-date national freight maps, through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, for existing approved routes for all restricted access vehicle networks (B-double, Higher Mass Limits, PBS Level 1 and PBS Level 2, 14.5 tonne buses, over dimension vehicles). |
3.3 | 310 | Progressing freight and export opportunities identified in the economic analysis of direct international air-freight options and the NSW Future Transport 2056 | ACT; NSW | Canberra Airport released their 2020 Master Plan earlier this year, with a focus on freight and air freight opportunities including more direct international flights, a new runway and an increased freight capacity. PAK Fresh Handling, a specialist air freight export business, has established accredited handling capacity at Canberra Airport to support freight of a broad range of commodities including dairy, meat, seafood, premium packaged goods and fresh cut flowers to export out of Canberra Airport to Asia and the Middle East. COVID-19 has limited implementation during 2020. See also NSW’s update, above. | |
3.3 | 311 | Work with Canberra Airport, Qatar Airways, local businesses and councils | ACT | The ACT Government continues to work closely with the NSW, the Canberra Region Joint Organisation and the Canberra Airport to promote and deliver the growing capability and capacity of moving regional produce to international markets through Canberra. COVID-19 has limited implementation during 2020. | |
3.4 | 312 | Priorities for Australia's Biosecurity System - $313 milliion | Cth | 2018 - 2023 | Measures under this investment are being implemented. Much of this investment is ongoing and measures have been embedded into the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s enhanced biosecurity capability. |
3.4 | 313 | Trade Modernisation Agenda | Cth | Ongoing | The Australian Border Force is modernising trade processes to more efficiently manage cross-border trade, including by simplifying trade requirements and harnessing data and technologies. The Single Window Taskforce is streamlining trade-related regulation to underpin the development of a single window for international trade. A trade single window will capture enhanced supply chain information for customs risk management, which could also be made publicly available to increase visibility of supply chains. Together with the National Freight Data Hub and convergence in data standards, this will support new approaches to coordinating supply chains and managing cargo and logistics. |
3.4 | 314 | Air Cargo Security Reforms | Cth | 2017 - 2021 | From 1 July 2017, Australia’s air cargo security regulatory framework has undergone a series of reforms to ensure that the air cargo supply chain is secure from acts of unlawful interference and is able to respond to an evolving threat environment. The program of work to reform air cargo security includes:
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3.4 | 315 | Streamlining environmental assessments | All | Ongoing | Digital Environment Assessment Program The Digital Environmental Assessment Program is a key initiative to transform the Australian Government’s environmental assessment and approval process to a user-focused digital platform that integrates systems and data across jurisdictions. The program is part of the Australian Government’s deregulation agenda and includes three distinct outputs:
These projects will see a transition from unstructured reports and non-reusable data to data collected in standard formatted for sharing and reuse. The portal and assessment system will be co-designed with the Western Australian Government as a pilot, with a vision of national rollout if it is successful. The biodiversity repository will look at seeking a national approach to some biodiversity data standards and enable the different state or territory repositories to be linked, so data can be shared. The Australian Government allocated $26.8 million over three years from 2019-20 for the program. The program is on track and projects commenced in April 2020. Project teams have been created and planning documents have been completed. The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is commencing needs analyses involving consultation across a range of stakeholder groups (e.g. states, territories, research entities, etc.). Congestion Busting Queensland Western Australia |
3.4 | 316 | Reviewing the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act | Cth | 2020 | The independent statutory review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is on track and is due to be completed by 30 October 2020. The independent reviewer, Professor Graeme Samuel, will make recommendations to the Australian Government on how the Act can be modernised to help meet Australia’s current and future challenges. The Interim Report was released on 20 July 2020. The Australian Government has announced that it will commit to the following priority areas on the basis of the interim report:
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3.4 | 317 | Review of National Transport Reforms | Cth | 2019 - 2020 | The Productivity Commission delivered its final report to the Australian Government in April 2020. The Productivity Commission considered the impacts of transport regulatory reforms to heavy vehicle, rail and maritime safety and productivity as agreed by the Council of Australian Governments in 2008-09, and identified opportunities for further reform. The Australian Government will consult with jurisdictions and regulators, in consideration of the report’s recommendations, to further improve safety, efficiency and productivity outcomes in transport regulation (the report is under embargo until tabled by the Australian Government). |
3.4 | 318 | Heavy Vehicle National Law | All | 2018 - 2020 | The National Transport Commission is leading the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) Review, and released a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement in June 2020. In preparing the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement, the Commission was advised by a Jurisdictional Strategic Oversight Panel, chaired by Queensland and with representatives from the Commonwealth and all states and territories. Following the consultation period, the Commission will develop a Decision Regulation Impact Statement to be presented to Infrastructure and Transport Ministers in May 2021.
Queensland Australian Capital Territory |
3.4 | 319 | Review of regulatory telematics | Cth | Ongoing | The National Transport Commission prepared a Review of Regulatory Telematics Report in March 2018. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is progressing the Services Transition Assurance Review, at the direction of Infrastructure and Transport Ministers, endorsed in 2018. An element of this Review includes current and future compliance and enforcement activities by the NHVR, including data-led policies and operations. Significant work already undertaken by the NHVR in the development of the Safety and Compliance Regulatory Platform and NHVR intelligence capabilities and data analytics. A draft NHVR Data Science Strategy has been completed in response to the Services Transition Assurance Review, with movement data (e.g. through telematics) included in future targeted data acquisition activities, to assist decision-making relevant to compliance and enforcement and other NHVR regulatory activities. Since the 2018 completion and approval of NHVR’s Electronic Work Diary standards, six technology companies have formally submitted applications regarding their devices. The NHVR continues to actively work with all technology providers who have submitted applications to ensure there are no regulatory barriers to their device development programs. |
3.4 | 320 | Regulating the maritime industry | Cth | Ongoing | Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (the Act) ensures that Australian shippers have continued access to adequate, frequent and reliable shipping services at internationally competitive freight rates while providing container shipping operators with exemptions from certain anti-competitive provisions of the Act. The Australian Government has responsibility for administering Part X of the Act. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is developing a shipping class exemption in consultation with the Australian Government and the shipping industry to provide more efficient and effective competition controls for container shipping. The ACCC released the discussion paper ‘Proposed Class Exemption for Ocean Liner Shipping’ in December 2019, which the Australian Government made a submission to in March 2020. The ACCC will now consider submissions and consult on a draft class exemption instrument once available. In 2019-20, the Australian Government also repealed the ANL Act 1956 and the ANL Guarantee Act 1994 to remove restrictions on Australian maritime businesses against the use of ‘protected names’ relating to the former Commonwealth-owned shipping line ANL Limited, as well as to remove outdated and unnecessary legislation. |
3.4 | 321 | Coastal trading reform | Cth | 2017 - TBD | Consultation on coastal trading reform is currently underway. The Australian Government wrote to maritime industry members seeking input on coastal trading reform and approximately 50 submissions were received from a broad range of stakeholders. Further consultation is planned in the latter half of 2020. The form and timing of reforms will depend on the outcome of consultations. |
3.4 | 322 | Road vehicle standards reform | Cth | 2019 - 2021 | See initiative 290 under Action 3.3. |
3.4 | 323 | Audit of existing freight and supply chain regulation and reviews to identify areas of focus for future regulatory reform | Cth | TBD | The Australian Government compiled an initial list of freight and supply chain related reviews completed over recent years. The next stage, which would involve industry consultation and regulation gap analysis, has been put on hold due to the need to respond to immediate freight industry concerns arising from COVID-19. |
3.4 | 324 | National regulatory framework for maritime regulation and service delivery - $10 million | Cth | 2018 - 2028 | The Australian Maritime Safety Authority continues to deliver Australia’s single national system for the safe design, construction, equipping, operation and crewing of domestic commercial vessels, which is supporting operators, seafarers and vessels to move safely and seamlessly around Australia. The Australian Government continues to deliver its funding commitments for the national system. |
3.4 | 325 | Regulatory activity regarding drones | Cth | TBD | The Australian Government is developing a whole-of-government drones policy framework. An emerging aviation technologies issues paper has been prepared and will shortly be released to begin a process of industry and community consultation on the development of the policy framework. |
3.4 | 326 | Development and implementation of maritime safety and marine environment protection regulation | Cth | Ongoing | This item gives effect to Australia’s obligations under various international treaties and conventions on maritime safety and marine environment protection, which will directly affect the maritime freight sector. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority continues to deliver its program of work reviewing, consulting on, and updating Marine Orders and national standards to improve maritime safety and environmental outcomes, which directly affect the maritime freight sector. In 2019-20, the Australian Government, through amendments to the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1989, implemented the International Maritime Organization’s fuel Sulphur limit (0.5 per cent) that came into force on 1 January 2020. This included a ban on the carriage of non-compliant fuel from 1 March 2020. The Government also continued leading Australia’s engagement in negotiations at the International Maritime Organization on measures under the initial shipping greenhouse gas reduction strategy. |
3.4 | 327 | Review regulations relating to airports | Cth | The Australian Government is continuing the sunset review of the 10 instruments under the Airports Act 1996, Sydney Airport Demand Management Act 1997 and Sydney Airport Curfew Act 1995. The review has been expanded to encompass the broader aviation and airports reform agenda for the industry in context of the aviation COVID-19 response. | |
3.4 | 328 | Regulatory reforms to prepare for deployment of automated vehicles | All | Medium term | In 2019-20, Infrastructure and Transport Ministers agreed to establish an automated vehicles national safety law and a single national regulator, and apply a general safety duty on Automated Driving System Entities. The WA Government has also contributed to the discussion papers on a review of the automated vehicles trials framework, compliance and enforcement, in-service safety for automated vehicles, and government access to vehicle-generated data. Queensland's input to the review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law will emphasise providing opportunities to maximise the safe application new heavy vehicle technologies, such as for automated vehicles. |
3.4 | 329 | Review dangerous goods transport | NSW | 0 - 2 years | Development of a dangerous goods network policy is in progress, including consultation with industry to identify and preserve fit-for-purpose transport networks for the movement of dangerous goods. |
3.4 | 330 | Support the transfer of regulatory functions under the Heavy Vehicle National Law from Roads and Maritime and other state-based agencies to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator | NSW | 3 - 5 years | The proposal to transfer heavy vehicle regulatory services to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is currently in progress. |
3.4 | 331 | Support reforms to transport laws and regulatory bodies | NSW | 3 - 5 years | This initiative is in progress to support Infrastructure and Transport Ministers in reforming the Heavy Vehicle National Law through initiatives such as developing a national system for heavy vehicle registration and undertaking a national vehicle standards review relating to vehicle height and mass requirements. |
3.4 | 332 | Implement the NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy Framework | NSW | 0 - 2 years | Completed. The NSW Government released the “NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy Framework” in September 2018 with an implementation plan completed. |
3.4 | 333 | Review of WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme | WA | Short term | WA completed its review of the WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme in 2019. A Stakeholder Reference Group has been established to assist in the exploration and delivery of the recommendations. |
3.4 | 334 | Legislative reform to ensure national harmonisation of laws | All | Medium term | The WA Government has an ongoing commitment to collaborate on the development of national transport law and implement laws that enable national consistency in cases where the benefit to WA is clear. |
3.4 | 335 | Participation in national regulatory initiatives | Tas | Ongoing | Tasmania will continue to support and participate in development and adoption of national standards and nationally consistent regulation, through existing legislative maintenance processes (road, rail, heavy vehicle and maritime), in order to enhance the safety and efficiency of freight task. |
4.1 | 336 | Transport Network Strategic Investment Tool (TraNSIT) | Cth | 2015 - 2021 | TraNSIT has been built to map road and rail freight movements for 136 commodities, and uses this supply chain mapping to test the transport benefits of infrastructure investments and regulatory changes. A TraNSIT Web has been constructed. TraNSIT has been used to inform major Australian Government initiatives including Inland Rail, Roads of Strategic Importance and Beef Roads. Further work is planned between 2020 and 2022 to improve capability by:
TraNSIT Supply Chain Mapping of the Inland Rail Parkes to Narromine pilot was completed in 2019 and announced by the Deputy Prime Minister at an event in Brisbane in March 2019.30 The work is continuing in 2020 and 2021 by extending from the pilot. |
4.1 | 337 | National Freight Data Hub - $5.2 million | Cth | 2019 - 2021 | The Department has been collecting input from the wide range of potential users for the National Freight Data Hub, including through a public discussion paper (October 2019) and interviews, to settle the detailed design of the Hub. Consultation has informed the three high-level functions of the Hub:
Outputs for the end of 2020 will be:
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4.1 | 338 | Freight Data Exchange Pilot - $3.3 million | Cth | 2019 - 2023 | The Freight Data Exchange Pilot initiative is investigating and developing methods and systems to enable freight consignment event/message information to be shared, in real-time, across supply chain parties, and also with government to better inform transport operations, infrastructure planning and freight policy. Three Freight Data Exchange Pilot Projects are being undertaken between October 2019 and June 2020:
Outputs completed to June 2020 include a summary report of trial project outcomes and a technical report covering the Freight Consignment Data Aggregation Pilot Project. Further work is planned between July 2020 and June 2023, working with additional supply chain operators to share consignment data between supply chain partners. |
4.1 | 339 | International benchmarking of key import and export supply chains | Cth | TBC | The pilot study report was published in November 2019.31 Further work is planned between July 2020 and June 2022 in order to:
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4.1 | 340 | Port of Brisbane Rail Access Corridor Preservation | Cth; Qld | 2018 - 2022 | See initiative 240 under Action 3.1. |
4.1 | 341 | Port of Gladstone Prefeasibility Study | Cth | 2018 | The Inland Rail Gladstone Link Prefeasibility Study has been publically released. |
4.1 | 342 | Inland Rail Supply Chain Mapping Study | Cth | 2018 - 2021 | The Parkes to Narromine Pilot study, completed in March 2019, modelled potential transport cost savings for horticulture and post-processed food supply chains through the Parkes to Narromine corridor. CSIRO found that on average a $76 per tonne saving may be achieved by specific agriculture supply chains from using Inland Rail. CSIRO is continuing to validate these preliminary results by investigating the potential transport cost savings from Inland Rail for a broader range of supply chains along the corridor. By July 2021, combined analysis of results for a southern corridor between Narromine in New South Wales and Seymour in Victoria, and a northern corridor between Narromine and Toowoomba in Queensland, is expected to be completed. Once finalised and reported, this work will provide estimates of the potential transport savings for all supply chains that are likely to, or have the potential to, use Inland Rail. |
4.1 | 343 | Inland Rail Freight Corridor Survey | Cth | 2019 - 2021 | Phase 1 of the Corridor Survey project was completed in 2019 for the Australian Government by BIS Oxford Economics and Sydney University’s Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, and consisted of a stocktake and review of available data, research activities and potential supply of new data. This work informed strategies for filling the identified data gaps. Work is underway by the Australian Government and its consultants on Phase 2 data collection and survey activities for major land transport corridors between Victoria and Queensland to inform an evidence-based view by the end of 2021 of key freight flows and supply chains and their comparative performance. |
4.1 | 344 | National Infrastructure Data Collection and Dissemination Plan | Cth | 2018 | Complete. |
4.1 | 345 | Research on road operator data for use by connected and automated vehicles | Cth | TBD | Austroads, a body that provides advice to transport agencies across all levels of government in Australia and New Zealand, undertakes a range of research in relation to connected and automated vehicles under its Future Vehicles and Technology research program (discussed in Action Area 2.3). This includes a project underway ‘Road authority data for connected and automated vehicles’, which is looking at the government-owned data road agencies may need to provide to map-makers, and to connected and automated vehicles and Cooperative Intelligent Transport System (C-ITS) providers. It also includes data sets like speed limits in particular parts of the road network, or temporary data like the existence, location and arrangement in relation to road works.
Future bodies of work will build on this project. This work is intended to position Australia so that data provided to emerging vehicle technologies is nationally consolidated and consistent with developing international standards. This is essential in preparing for emerging vehicle technologies (including heavy vehicle technologies), and reducing the barriers to manufacturers bringing these technologies into Australia. |
4.1 | 346 | Frameworks for collection and use of C-ITS and automated vehicle data | Subject to decision by infrastructure and transport ministers | Subject to decision by infrastructure and transport ministers | Work is underway to ensure appropriate and fit-for-purpose approaches to data collection and use by emerging transport technologies, including connected and automated vehicles. Australian Infrastructure and Transport Ministers have directed the National Transport Commission to undertake a project exploring government access to vehicle-generated data. The Commission recently released a discussion paper for public consultation, following a series of workshops involving industry, governments and peak bodies in the transport and roads sector, aimed at identifying the priority use cases and possible frameworks for exchanging data. A further policy paper containing recommendations to Australian Infrastructure and Transport Ministers is expected to be published in late 2020. |
4.1 | 347 | Publish and update freight forecasts and performance measure data | NSW | Ongoing | Completed – NSW has conducted significant work in publishing freight forecasts and models along with data sets and performance metrics, visualisations and reports. |
4.1 | 348 | Enhance freight data | NSW | 3 - 5 years | Completed a “NSW Freight Data Hub” on the Transport for NSW website that links multiple sources of data to support evidence-driven decisions. Significant data sets have been made available at the NSW Open Data Hub along with freight metric visualisations. |
4.1 | 349 | Investigate productivity boosting technologies for Port Botany | NSW | 5 - 10 years | In progress. |
4.1 | 350 | National ATAP Guidance - urban freight demand modelling | All | Short term | See initiatives 257 and 267 under Action 3.2. |
4.1 | 351 | Queensland Freight Model | Qld | Ongoing - 2024 | Queensland Freight Model is providing projects, investment prioritisation activities and planning studies with current and future freight demands. The model is continually being enhanced and the team is currently focused on development of a goods and services component with a preliminary state-wide model currently undergoing validation. The project is funded through the Transport System Planning Program and has a budget of approximately $500,000 per annum until 2024. |
4.1 | 352 | Transport Analytics Project utilising the Transport Network Strategic Investment Tool (TraNSIT) | Qld; CSIRO | Ongoing | Eight collaborative organisations from Wide Bay Burnett and Central Queensland have partnered with CSIRO to assimilate freight data including filling commodity data gaps in the current TraNSIT data base. The project will progress to identify freight network pinch points and prioritise scenarios for future analysis utilising the TraNSIT model in the study area. |
4.1 | 353 | Development of an open data portal | WA | Short term | The Open Data portal, Data WA, initiated in 2015 aims to make government data discoverable. This is an ongoing process with support and guidance provided through Landgate. In 2019-20, there was a net increase of 386 datasets discoverable via Data WA. Currently over 1900 datasets from 40 state and local organisations are discoverable via Data WA, with over 1,700 of these being openly accessible. |
4.1 | 354 | Compliance Automation Project | WA | Short term | The WA Government continues to participate in national forums relating to the delivery of the Compliance Automation System. The expected delivery date for the system is March 2021. |
4.1 | 355 | Commercial Vehicle Survey | WA | Short term | The consultant contract for the Commercial Vehicle Survey was awarded in September 2019. The methodology for the survey is well progressed. The pilot survey has been postponed to September 2020 due to disrupted freight demand patterns arising from COVID-19. The main survey is anticipated to commence in January 2021, subject to ongoing impact of COVID-19. |
4.1 | 356 | Tasmanian Freight Survey | Tas | Ongoing | The Tasmanian Freight Survey is a regular survey of freight movements across Tasmania undertaken by the Tasmanian Government. The results of the survey are used to inform planning for Tasmania’s future freight transport system. The most recent survey, 2016-17, is the sixth survey conducted to date. While previous surveys have been held every three years, given the impacts of COVID-19 alternative approaches are being investigated to provide the required data. |
4.1 | 357 | Collection of video-based origin destination data, traffic count and classification data | ACT | Short - medium term | The ACT undertakes regular traffic counts and classification data on main freight routes to support planning and operation of the road network. The ACT has implemented a heavy vehicle camera on the Federal Highway as part of the National Safety Camera Network and is currently seeking funding to install another camera on Barton Highway, through the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative program, to improve heavy vehicle monitoring. |
4.1 | 358 | Understanding freight flows | ACT | ABS Road Freight Movement Survey, Austroads’ Key Freight Routes Data Project and Cadence Economics Analysis of Air Freight Operations at Canberra Airport — The ACT utilises freight data to plan capital works across the network, identify infrastructure investment needs and inform funding applications for Australian Government match-funding programs under the National Partnership Agreement for Land Transport Infrastructure Projects. | |
4.1 | 359 | Industry surveying to be factored in planning | ACT; NatRoad | Short term | The outcome of an industry survey undertaken in 2019, in collaboration with NatRoad, was considered in the planning of major road infrastructure projects. The need for a significant layover and rest facility on Monaro Highway was identified by the freight industry in the ACT. A design for a heavy vehicle rest area is currently included in the Monaro Highway upgrade project scope. |