As we reflect on the discussions and insights shared at the recently concluded VTA State Conference, it is worth reflecting on the future of freight movement in Australia.
The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Safety First: Empowering People, Boosting Productivity, Shaping Transport’s Future’, underscored the importance of a holistic approach to our industry.
Our discussions extended beyond road freight to include a comprehensive intermodal strategy that integrates road, rail, air, and sea transport.
The necessity for intermodal connectivity cannot be overstated. In my role as VTA CEO, and in over 40 years working in the transport industry, I have seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities within our industry.
The future of freight movement hinges on our ability to seamlessly connect various modes of transport. This integration is vital to maintaining and improving the standard of living for all Australians.
Heavy vehicles play a unique and irreplaceable role in the delivery process. While ships, trains, and planes are essential for transporting goods over long distances, it is the trucks that ensure these goods reach their final destinations.
The volumes of freight are not going to decrease, and the physical handling of goods remains indispensable. We must strive to move these goods in the most productive, efficient, and safe manner possible.
However, the current infrastructure is insufficient to meet future logistics demands. Building more roads alone will not solve the problem.
We need to explore and invest in other modes of transport to handle the increasing freight volumes. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government agencies, industry operators, and associations.
Productivity gains and continuous improvement are essential for the future of our industry and were a focus of much discussion at the conference. By adopting innovative technologies and optimising our logistics processes, we can enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Embracing automation, data analytics, and advanced supply chain management practices will enable us to meet the growing demands of our customers while maintaining high standards of safety and service. These improvements are not just beneficial but necessary to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Unfortunately, support from some federal government agencies has been lacking.
The focus on autonomous vehicles and the competition between different modes of transport is regressive. We need policies that promote intermodal harmonisation and support the entire transport and logistics industry.
Agencies like Austroads and the National Transport Commission must step up their game. They need to engage with the industry and develop policies that improve the working environment for all stakeholders.
The slow progress of the national heavy vehicle driver licensing framework and the Heavy Vehicle National Law review is another area of concern. We need well-trained and competent heavy vehicle drivers from the start of their careers.
The ongoing review, which began in 2017, has yet to produce significant changes or a clear pathway for improvement. This delay hampers our industry’s ability to operate efficiently and safely.
The Victorian government, on the other hand, has shown strong support for our industry. Major infrastructure projects like the West Gate Tunnel Project and the North East Link are set to transform freight movement in the state.
These projects will significantly improve productivity and reduce travel times, benefiting the entire industry. The government’s commitment to road maintenance and stakeholder engagement is also commendable. Investing an average of $2.6 million daily in road maintenance ensures that our roads can support the heavy vehicle movements essential for our economy.
The future of freight movement in Australia depends on our ability to embrace intermodal connectivity and develop robust logistics policies. We must work together to create an environment that supports the efficient and safe movement of goods.
The VTA will continue to advocate for our industry, calling out those who hold us back and pushing for the necessary changes.
With the right support and understanding from government agencies, we can boost productivity, enhance safety, and shape a prosperous future for the transport and logistics industry.
The collaboration between public and private sectors is essential to achieving these goals and ensuring a resilient and efficient freight system for the years to come.