Appendix C: Progress report
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
| No. | Initiative | Jurisdiction | Timeframe | Progress | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | 1 | Infrastructure Investment Program | Cth | Completed | The Australian Government is continuing to deliver through its record $110 billion 10-year Infrastructure Investment Program. These investments will support and secure jobs, drive growth and help rebuild Australia’s economy from the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering nation-building infrastructure projects, meeting our national freight challenge and getting Australians home sooner and safer. Once completed, these projects will significantly improve the efficiency and safety of land transport infrastructure in Australia and help meet our growing freight task. Australian Government funded road and rail projects currently underway are expected to support up to 100,000 direct and indirect jobs over the lifetime of the projects. As at 30 June 2021 there are more than 290 major Australian Government funded projects either underway or under construction, including strategic investments in Australia’s freight future. Through the Infrastructure Investment Program, the Australian Government is, for example:
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| 1.1 | 2 | Port Botany Rail Line Duplication — $400 million | Cth | 2019 - 2024 | The Australian Government is fully funding the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to duplicate the remaining section of the Port Botany Rail Line between Mascot and Botany and construct a passing loop between Cabramatta and Warwick Farm on the Southern Sydney Freight Line. The project is expected to improve rail connection efficiency, capacity and service reliability to and from Port Botany. In July 2021, ARTC announced that two separate contracts had been awarded for the Botany Rail Duplication and Cabramatta Loop, with construction works expected to commence in the first quarter of 2022. |
| 1.1 | 3 | Major Project Business Case Fund — $250 million | Cth, participating jurisdictions | 2019 - 2030 | The Major Projects Business Case Fund initiative funds the development of business cases and planning studies for the next phase of major priority projects that will ensure that domestic and international supply chains are serviced by resilient and efficient key freight corridors, precincts and assets. Over $250 million has been allocated to 25 business cases. The Australian Government is working closely with State and Territory Governments to progress these business cases. |
| 1.1 | 4 | Melbourne Port Rail Shuttle — Govt: $58 million (Cth: $38m; Vic: $20m), Private sector: $80.8m | Cth, Vic | 2017 - 2023 | The Port Rail Shuttle Network project will construct railway infrastructure to enable an integrated system of intermodal terminals to link to the Port of Melbourne by the existing rail network. The Project will allow more freight to be moved by rail instead of by road. The Australian and Victorian Governments are investing $58 million to 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 (from the $58 million) while works on private land will be funded by private sector capital co-investments. Agreement have now been reached on connecting three suburban intermodal terminals, located at Altona, Dandenong South and Somerton, and are progressing, with leases and track permit arrangements underway. The development of an on-dock terminal at the Port of Melbourne will remove the current internal road leg that containers still require within the Port when using rail – a significant efficiency gain. The commencement of major site works is expected to commence in August 2021 and includes building the new rail connection to the Dandenong South Salta Terminal. |
| 1.1 | 5 | Development of Inland Rail terminals in Melbourne and Brisbane — $20 million | Cth, Vic, Qld | 2019 - 2022 | Joint work is underway with the Australian, Victorian and Queensland Governments for intermodal terminals to support Inland Rail in Melbourne and Brisbane respectively. This work is considering terminal locations, connections, market access/operating models, and financing options as well as value capture opportunities. In the 2021-22 Budget, the Australian Government committed up to $2 billion to deliver a new intermodal terminal in Melbourne and also committed $61.8 million for further planning and design development of a new Melbourne Intermodal Terminal at two potential sites: one at Truganina and the other at Beveridge which would connect to Inland Rail. This investment by the Commonwealth towards the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal project is contingent on a matching contribution by the Victorian Government. A decision on the terminal location is subject to further planning and negotiations between the Australian and Victorian governments. The Brisbane business case is expected to be completed mid-2022. |
| 1.1 | 6 | Urban Congestion Fund — $4.8 billion | Cth, participating jurisdictions | 2019-20 - 2029-30 | The Urban Congestion Fund, a sub-program of the Infrastructure Investment Program, aims to reduce congestion, increase network efficiency for commuter and freight movement, and improve traffic safety in urban areas. Of the $4.8 billion the Australian Government has committed to the Urban Congestion Fund, $3.9 billion has been allocated to 144 projects representing 177 individual packages of work. Tasmania The Tasmanian Government has received $38 million in allocations under the Australian Government’s Urban Congestion Fund, with the Tasmanian Government committing $11.5 million to congestion improvement initiatives. Projects include the Hobart Congestion Package, with priority given to the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor and Hobart Intelligent Transport Solutions. A transport mode study for the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor was completed in 2020. A condition assessment and growth strategy for activation of urban renewal is currently underway. |
| 1.1 | 7 | Roads of Strategic Importance — $4.9 billion | Cth, participating jurisdictions | 2018 - 2030 | The Australian Government has committed $4.9 billion to upgrade key freight routes through the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative. This commitment progresses projects on 27 corridors, as well as 45 standalone projects, connecting businesses to domestic and international markets. South Australia South Australian projects funded through the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative aim to better connect businesses to national and international markets. Corridor analysis has identified a proposed program of works for each corridor.
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| 1.1 | 8 | Bridges Renewal Program — $760 million | Cth | 2015 - 2025 | 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 710 projects have been supported. Five rounds have been completed under the Program, with Round 5 announced 29 September 2020. Under Round 5 the Government committed more than $140 million in funding for 205 projects. This initiative is also reported on under Action 1.2. |
| 1.1 | 9 | Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program — $607 million | Cth | 2013 - 2025 | The Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program directly targets investments that improve freight efficiencies. Since 2013, more than 370 projects have been supported. Seven rounds have been completed under the Program, with Round 7 announced 29 September 2020. Under Round 7 the Government committed more than $140 million in funding for 146 projects. |
| 1.1 | 10 | Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport — up to $5.3 billion in equity | Cth | 2017 - 2026 | Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (the Airport) is being delivered by WSA Co Limited (WSA) and is on track for commencement of flights by the end of 2026. The first stage of the Airport Cargo Precinct will include a dedicated cargo vehicle access point off the Northern Road with approximately 75,000m2 of cargo terminal space. Upon opening, the Airport will have the capacity to process around 220,000 tonnes of cargo annually from both the holds of passenger aircraft and in dedicated air freighters, with potential to grow to handle 1.8 million tonnes of air cargo annually in the future. On 6 May 2021, WSA released a registration of interest process to seek submissions from the air cargo industry to collaborate with WSA on the development of the Cargo Precinct. Further information on the Airport Cargo Precinct can be found at https://westernsydney.com.au/cargo. |
| 1.1 | 11 | Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan — $3.5 billion | Cth | 2014 - 2025 | The Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan will provide better road linkages within western Sydney, deliver a quality surface transport network and ensure the efficient movement of passengers, employees and freight, when Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport opens in 2026. Progress includes:
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| 1.1 | 12 | 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. Construction and design work to connect the Southern Sydney Freight Line to the Import-Export Terminal at Moorebank was commissioned in November 2019 and further work is in progress to connect the existing Moorebank rail link to the site of the future Interstate Terminal. There has been significant progress in the development of the Moorebank Logistics Park, with Woolworths to establish national and regional distribution centres occupying about 20 per cent of the available Moorebank Precinct West warehouse land. The development of the Moorebank Logistics Park offers the first integrated greenfield precinct which combines co-located warehousing with intermodal rail, paving the way for the future of intermodal terminals that support an efficient, resilient multi-modal supply chain. |
| 1.1 | 13 | 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 contract for the project has been awarded and early works have commenced. |
| 1.1 | 14 | 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 | 15 | 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 was gazetted 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 progressing with early planning to identify corridor options for discussion with stakeholders. |
| 1.1 | 16 | Lower Hunter Freight Corridor | NSW | 5 - 10 years | Transport for NSW is consulting on a recommended corridor option for the Lower Hunter Freight Corridor which will provide for a future dedicated freight rail line between Fassifern and Hexham, bypassing Newcastle urban area. Separating rail freight from the passenger rail line is a NSW Government initiative to reduce network congestion on the rail network across Newcastle, and improve travel times and reliability for both rail freight and passenger rail services. |
| 1.1 | 17 | Sydney Airport Road Upgrades | NSW | 0 - 2 years | This project has been completed. The upgraded roads around Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport and the General Holmes Drive level crossing removed by constructing a road underpass. |
| 1.1 | 18 | 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. Transport for NSW has awarded the design and construction contract while the project has also received planning approval. The project is planned for completion by 2026. |
| 1.1 | 19 | Pacific Highway Improvements | NSW | 0 - 2 years | Duplication of the Pacific Highway from Hexham to the Queensland border was completed in December 2020 following the completion of the Woolgoolga to Ballina section. The Coffs Harbour Bypass commenced early works in December 2020 in preparation for the start of major construction. |
| 1.1 | 20 | 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 | 21 | 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 | 22 | Newell Highway Upgrades | NSW | 5 - 10 years | This project involves upgrades to the Newell Highway including safety infrastructure upgrades and capacity improvements (overtaking lanes and town bypasses), flood immunity upgrades and investigation of where a Performance Based Standards (PBS) 3A vehicle access can be increased in the vicinity of the Newell Highway. The project is currently in progress and will be funded by the NSW Government ($720 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 intermodal hubs. |
| 1.1 | 23 | 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. An environmental impact statement (EIS) was developed to identify potential impacts associated with the project. The Department of Planning and Environment placed the EIS on exhibition between 28 July and 24 August 2021. |
| 1.1 | 24 | 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 | 25 | 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 | 26 | West Gate Tunnel | Vic, Industry | 2018 - 2023 | Work is progressing on the 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 it is expecting to complete the project in 2023. |
| 1.1 | 27 | Western Interstate Freight Terminal | Vic, Cth | 2018 - 2025 | A detailed business case co-funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments to consider a new Interstate Freight Terminal is now completed. The business case considered two locations – Beveridge and Truganina – and was provided to the Australian Government for funding consideration. The proposed terminals’ access corridors have been protected in the Principal Freight Network, which will be included in an update of sections of the Victorian Planning Scheme that is currently nearing completion. The Australian Government’s 2021-22 Budget committed $2 billion to deliver the Western Interstate Freight Terminal, and an additional $61.8 million to progress development of this terminal. Discussions are continuing in relation to Victorian Government funding contributions. |
| 1.1 | 28 | North East Link | Vic, Cth | The project will construct a new motorway between the M80 Ring Road at Greensborough and the Eastern Freeway at Bulleen Road. It will also widen and upgrade the existing Eastern Freeway. Early works are underway, with main construction expected to commence in December 2021. | |
| 1.1 | 29 | Smart Motorways | Qld, NSW | Ongoing | Queensland continues to invest in and deploy Smart Motorways technologies on key motorway road corridors in the south east Queensland road network. Notable Queensland examples include:
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| 1.1 | 30 | Toowoomba Wellcamp and Cairns Airports Regional Airport Distribution Centre Pilots | Qld | 2018 - 2022 | The Toowoomba Wellcamp Trade Distribution Centre is nearing completion and will be officially opened on 27 July 2021. The facility will deliver over 4000m2 in gross floor area comprising of 1500m2 of state-of-the-art refrigerated storage, freezer rooms and temperature-controlled transit areas as well as large ambient transit and covered external storage areas. The facility will open international markets for graziers and growers and will export |
| 1.1 | 31 | Yamala Hub | Qld | Ongoing | Construction of enabling infrastructure is complete and the Queensland Government’s financial commitment to this project has been finalised. GrainCorp has relocated its Emerald grain handling facility to Central Queensland Inland Port. In June 2021, Seaway Logistics was announced as the operator of the freight terminal. |
| 1.1 | 32 | Bruce Highway, Warrego Highway, Gateway Motorway and Pacific Motorway upgrades | Qld, Cth | 2013 - 2028 | Work continues to progress on projects committed on the Bruce Highway, Warrego Highway, Gateway Motorway and Pacific Motorway. The 2021–22 Australian and Queensland Budgets confirmed a jointly funded $500 million (80:20) additional commitment for Bruce Highway upgrades. The 2021–22 Queensland Budget also confirmed an additional $200 million Queensland Government contribution towards proposed joint investment on the Bruce Highway of $1 billion per annum (80:20 federal:state funding basis). Major projects currently underway include:
. See Warrego Highway Upgrade Program and Bruce Highway Upgrade under Action 1.2 for updates on those projects. |
| 1.1 | 33 | Development of the Kenwick Intermodal Terminal | WA, Arc Infrastructure | Short term | The Kenwick Intermodal Terminal is a key part of Arc Infrastructure’s intermodal strategy to increase inland capacity and support additional container volumes on rail. Arc remains committed to the project, but has deferred it while the container market continues to recover from COVID-19 impacts. |
| 1.1 | 34 | NorthLink | WA, Cth | Short term | Complete. The third and final section of the NorthLink WA road initiative, a 22km 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. |
| 1.1 | 35 | Swan River Crossings, Fremantle Replacement of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge (road and rail) | WA, Cth | Medium term | The Swan River Crossings project design and construction is being delivered through an alliance made up of Arup, Laing O’Rourke, WSP and Main Roads Western Australia. The Alliance Contract was awarded in January 2021, and detailed design development and pre-construction work is underway. The bridge construction will commence in 2022. |
| 1.1 | 36 | Commence road upgrades: Wheatbelt, Mid West, Gascoyne, Pilbara and Goldfields Regions | WA, Cth | Medium term | WA has identified improvements to key supply chain networks to support freight efficiency, improved Restricted Access Vehicles and Performance Based Standards access. The Australian and Western Australian Governments have committed $50 million under the Freight Vehicle Productivity Improvements Program to implement freight improvements on the State road network commencing in 2021/22. |
| 1.1 | 37 | Plan for Container Freight Staging Facilities | WA | Medium term | A private proponent has expressed interest in developing a staging facility in Perth’s northern suburbs, which would allow for more efficient use of the road network using larger vehicles from the port and smaller vehicles to complete the last mile journey. The WA Government continues to work with road transporters to identify allowable vehicle combinations and approved heavy vehicle routes. |
| 1.1 | 38 | 20 Year Infrastructure Strategy and 5 YearCapital Intentions Statement | SA | Ongoing | Infrastructure SA released the 2021 Capital Intentions Statement released on 26 March 2021, which recommended the following projects to be prioritised for further planning study and/or business case development. Sturt Highway and Truro Bypass Infrastructure Australia endorsed the proposed South Australian Highway High Productivity Vehicles Freight Network Access project as a priority initiative on the Infrastructure Priority List. This project forms a key part of that initiative. A planning study is underway to determine the precise realignment of the Sturt Highway through the Truro Hills, including a bypass of the town of Truro. This will inform development of a full business case. The Australian and South Australian Governments committed $202 million in the 2021- 22 Budget process to fund delivery of the Truro between late 2022 and 2026. Augusta Highway This project also forms part of the South Australian Highway High Productivity Vehicles Freight Network Access project listed on the Infrastructure Priority List. It includes the Joy Baluch AM Bridge Duplication and Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication Project initiatives which are reported on below. The duplication of the Augusta Highway will correct deficiencies in road geometry, improve safety and operational efficiency and maximise freight vehicle productivity. The Australian and South Australian Governments committed $180 million in the 2021-22 Budget process to fund the next stage of the duplication of the Augusta Highway from near Nantawarra to Lochiel, which will result in the corridor being fully duplicated from Adelaide through Port Wakefield to Lochiel. A further $5 million was committed to develop a business case which will undertake planning and designing for duplication from Port Pirie to Crystal Brook, including upgrades to intersections. Hydrogen export facility Detailed analysis has been undertaken to determine the potential to develop a new hydrogen industry. Based on the State’s competitive position, South Australia is forecast to capture 25 per cent of the national hydrogen exports. There is significant potential for the growth of the local industry, provided appropriate hydrogen port infrastructure is in place. This is aligned with the South Australian Government’s Growth State agenda. Infrastructure SA recommended further analysis be undertaken to determine the required infrastructure solution. Infrastructure SA’s 2020 Capital Intentions Statement recommended the following projects to be prioritised for further planning study and/or business case development. Infrastructure development on LeFevre Peninsula The formulation of a coordinated and integrated plan to inform further transport infrastructure development along the peninsula and its surrounding areas is currently underway and an important step in supporting pragmatic, well considered infrastructure investment decisions. Infrastructure SA will review individual projects when business cases are available. An Integrated Planning Partner has been engaged to undertake a study of transport infrastructure requirements on Le Fevre Peninsula focussing on key freight routes and interaction with the development of Osborne Naval Shipyard. Preliminary findings will be delivered in third quarter 2021. |
| 1.1 | 39 | 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 78km motorway providing a non-stop traffic-light-free connection between Gawler and Old Noarlunga. The Australian and South Australian Governments have committed $5.422 billion to Stage 1 of this project from Darlington to Anzac Highway. A Reference Design is being progressed, informed by updated traffic modelling projecting increased traffic volumes. Project cost estimates will be finalised on completion of the final business case. |
| 1.1 | 40 | Kangaroo Island Ferry Service Tender | SA | 1 July 2024 | Three companies have progressed to the Invitation to Supply phase for an initial 15-year contract. The Invitation to Supply process will run until September/October and the contract is aimed to be awarded by the end of the year. The current agreement expires on 30 June 2024. |
| 1.1 | 41 | North-South Corridor: Darlington Upgrade Project | SA | 2014 - 2020 | Complete. The upgrade to motorway standard of approximately 3.3km of the existing Main South Road was open to traffic in July 2020. |
| 1.1 | 42 | North-South Corridor: Northern Connector Project | SA | 2016 - 2020 | Complete. The six-lane, 15.5km motorway opened to traffic in March 2021. It provides a vital freight and commuter link between the Northern Expressway, South Road Superway and Port River Expressway. |
| 1.1 | 43 | North-South Corridor: South Road- Regency to Pym Street | SA | 2016 - 2020 | A new 1.8km section of non-stop motorway connects completed motorway sections, resulting in a 47km non-stop motorway between Gawler and the River Torrens. The Regency Road overpass opened to traffic in March 2021. Full project completion which includes landscaping, Intelligent Transport System commissioning and final asphalting is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2021. |
| 1.1 | 44 | Joy Baluch AM Bridge Duplication | SA | 2019 - 2022 | Duplication of the critical bridge across the Spencer Gulf in the northern region of South Australia commenced in late 2020 and is due to open to traffic in mid-2022. Completion will facilitate expansion of Performance-Based Standards level 4A access south of Port Augusta. |
| 1.1 | 45 | Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication Project | SA, Cth | 2020 - 2022 | The Australian and South Australian Governments have committed $124.5 million (Australian Government: $99.6 million | South Australian Government: $24.9 million) for the Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication Project. Construction commenced on late 2020 and it will be open to traffic in mid-2022. |
| 1.1 | 46 | Main South Road Duplication | SA, Cth | 2020 - 2024 | The Australian and South Australian Governments have jointly committed $453 million in funding for Main South Road Duplication Project between Seaford and Sellicks Beach. The project has been defined in two stages. Stage 1 includes duplication from south of Griffiths Drive in Seaford to Aldinga; approximately 10km in length. Stage 2 extends from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach; approximately 6km in length. The concept design has been developed for Stage 1, following initial community consultation. Further feedback from the community on proposed scenarios informed delivery outcomes in conjunction with the Victor Harbor Road Duplication Project. The project is planned to commence in mid-2021, and open to traffic in mid-2024. |
| 1.1 | 47 | Victor Harbor Road duplication — Main South Road to McLaren Vale | SA, Cth | 2020 - 2024 | The Australian and South Australian Governments have jointly committed $92 million in funding for the Victor Harbor Road Duplication Project. The Australian Government has committed an additional $15 million towards other safety improvements. The project will involve the duplication of a 4.5km section of Victor Harbor Road between Main South Road and Main Road, McLaren Vale. Concept design developed following initial community consultation. Further feedback from the community on proposed scenarios informed delivery outcomes in conjunction with the Main South Road Duplication Project. The project is planned to commence in late-2021 and open to traffic in mid-2024. |
| 1.1 | 48 | Portrush Road/Magill Road intersection upgrade | SA, Cth | 2020 - 2022 | The Australian and South Australian Governments have announced $98 million joint funding for the upgrade of the Magill and Portrush Roads intersection with major construction commencing in April 2021. It is planned to open to traffic in February 2022. |
| 1.1 | 49 | Cross Road/Fullarton Road | SA, Cth | 2020 - 2022 | The Australian and South Australian Governments are jointly funding the $61 million upgrade of the Cross Road and Fullarton Road intersection. Stakeholder consultation commenced in December 2020, and concluded in June 2021. Major construction works are scheduled to commence in mid-2021 and the intersection is planned open to traffic in October 2022. |
| 1.1 | 50 | Torrens Road (Ovingham) level crossings | SA, Cth | 2020 - 2032 | The Australian and South Australian Governments have committed $196 million towards the removal of the level crossing at Torrens Road, Ovingham. Major construction works commenced March 2021 and it is planned to open to traffic in January 2023. |
| 1.1 | 51 | Glen Osmond/Fullarton Road intersection upgrade | SA, Cth | 2020 - 2022 | The Australian and South Australian Governments have jointly committed $35 million to upgrade the Glen Osmond Road and Fullarton Road intersection. Stakeholder consultation commenced in December 2020 and concluded in June 2021. Project design work has commenced with major construction works scheduled to commence in late 2021. The project is expected to be open to traffic by September 2022. |
| 1.1 | 52 | Main North Road/Nottage Terrace junction upgrade | SA, Cth | 2020 - 2022 | The Australian and South Australian Governments are jointly funding the $19 million upgrade of the Main North Road and Nottage Terrace intersection. Service relocation and early investigation works are now complete and major works on the intersection are underway. The project is planned to open to traffic in March 2022. |
| 1.1 | 53 | Main North/McIntyre/ Kings Road intersection upgrade | SA, Cth | 2020 - 2021 | The Australian and South Australian Governments have committed $13 million in joint funding to upgrade the Main North Road, Kings and McIntyre Roads Intersection. Major construction works for the intersection upgrade commenced in late January 2021 and the project opened to traffic in November 2021. |
| 1.1 | 54 | Bulk Export Supply Chain Study (new) | SA | 2021 | The South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport will complete a supply chain study for regional bulk export commodities. The study will:
KPMG have been engaged to assist the Department and commenced stakeholder engagement and initial analysis. A report will be delivered to the South Australian Government in third quarter 2021. |
| 1.1 | 55 | Tasmanian Integrated Freight Strategy | Tas | Released 2016 | The Tasmanian Integrated Freight Strategy delivers 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. Initiatives are ongoing. |
| 1.1 | 56 | Burnie to Hobart Freight Corridor Strategy | Tas, Cth | 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. Consultation has commenced on improvements to the Bass Highway between Launceston and Devonport. The Australian Government has committed $80 million to the upgrades, with the Tasmanian Government’s contribution to be confirmed once the outcomes of the Bass Highway Corridor Strategy – Launceston to Devonport are known. See Action 1.2 for updates on the New Bridgewater Bridge and delivery of the Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan. |
| 1.1 | 57 | Hobart Airport Interchange Upgrade — $46 million | Tas, Cth | Expected completion 2023 | The Tasmanian and Australian Governments have committed $46 million ($37 million Australian Government and $9 million Tasmanian Government funding) to construct a four-lane interchange to replace the Hobart Airport roundabout. The new interchange will support future growth in traffic volumes and freight movements and improve safety. Construction of the interchange has commenced. |
| 1.1 | 58 | Cooee Bottleneck — $50 million | Tas, Cth | Commencing early 2022 | The Tasmanian Government is implementing priority projects identified in the Australian Government funded Cooee to Wynyard Planning study, including replacement of the Cam River Bridge. The Bridge replacement, together with road realignment and overtaking facilities, are due to commence in early 2022. |
| 1.1 | 59 | Tasman Highway Sideling $50 million | Tas, Cth | Commencing 2022 | Planning to upgrade the Tasman Highway Sideling is underway, with first stage construction scheduled to commence in 2022. |
| 1.1 | 60 | Monaro Highway Upgrade Program | ACT | Medium term | This project, which will deliver a package of safety works and targeted intersection upgrades along the Monaro Highway in the ACT, is being delivered over a six year period in four parts. The first part, safety improvements on the Monaro Highway near the NSW border, was completed and opened to traffic in mid 2020. Main construction on the next intersection upgrade at Lanyon Drive is expected to commence in 2022. |
| 1.1 | 61 | Parkes Way upgrade project and the Canberra South-West Corridor upgrade package | ACT | Medium - long term | The scoping phases of these two projects is being progressed together, ensuring that proposed improvements can be considered in parallel. A flood modelling study has already been released for tender, and a traffic modelling tender is completed. These will identify constraints and problems in the network, develop options to treat these problems, and establishes a priority for delivery, and inform the assessment of primary freight routes. Identified projects will subsequently be progressed to the development and then delivery phases (with the project funded for both planning and delivery). |
| 1.1 | 62 | Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub | NT | 3 years | Development is progressing on a fully operational, multi-disciplined Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub which will meet the current and future needs of Katherine, the Top End and Northern Australia. The Hub is strategically positioned at the intersection of the key freight routes of the Victoria and Stuart Highways and the Tarcoola to Darwin rail line. Some areas of the site are subject to native title, a pastoral lease, or are owned by the Katherine Town Council. Native title negotiations, acquisition of the pastoral lease interest and the transfer of Council land to the NT Government is continuing. The draft plan for Stage 1 provides for 14 lots with an average lot size of 1.8ha. The design of external power feeders has been completed and construction is underway and is expected to be completed in late 2021. External water infrastructure and Victoria Highway intersection detail design is complete and is ready to be tendered on resolution of tenure. Detailed design for the internal subdivision works is underway. |
| 1.2 | 63 | Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility - $5 billion | Cth | 2016 - 2021 | 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 2021, the NAIF has invested:
In May 2021, the Australian Government extended the NAIF’s investment period to 30 June 2026, allowing it to continue to provide finance to a pipeline of infrastructure projects in northern Australia. |
| 1.2 | 64 | Northern Australia Roads Program $600 million (Cwth: $480m; State Governments: $120m) | Cwth, Qld, WA, NT | 2016 - 2023 | The $600 million Northern Australia Roads Program targets upgrades to high priority roads within Queensland, WA and the NT to support economic development in northern Australia. This program has 20 projects in total and is well advanced with 13 projects completed and seven underway. The final project within this program (Peak Downs Highway) commenced in May 2021. Queensland A total of $279.74 million in joint funding has been committed under the Northern Australia Roads Program in Queensland, with $223.8 million in Australian Government funding and $55.94 million state funding. The Queensland Government and relevant local governments are progressing the delivery of jointly funded projects under both the Northern Australia Roads Program and Beef Roads Program, with a total of 21 projects having reached practical completion. Western Australia Complete. Projects funded included upgrades and safety and productivity improvements, such as road widening, overtaking lane construction and pavement renewal for Great Northern Highway Bow River Bridge and approaches; Great Northern Highway Upgrade Maggie Creek and Wyndham Spar, Marble Bar Road – Coongan Gorge (completed 2019) and Broome Cape Leveque Road (completed 2020). |
| 1.2 | 65 | Northern Australia Beef Roads Program (Cwth: $80m; state, territory and local government: $20m) | Cwth, Qld, WA, NT | 2016 - 2024 | The $100 million Northern Australia Beef Roads Program targets upgrades to key roads within Queensland, WA and the NT for cattle transport in northern Australia to improve the reliability, productivity and resilience of supply chains. The program is in its final stages with 17 projects completed. The final project (Gregory Developmental Road) is due to commence in 2021. Queensland A total of $77.06 million in joint funding has been committed under the Northern Australia Beef Roads Program in Queensland, with $57.67 million in Australian Government funding, $19.39 million state funding and relevant local government contributions. The Queensland Government and relevant local governments are progressing the delivery of jointly funded projects under both the Northern Australia Roads Program and Beef Roads Program, with a total of 21 projects having reached practical completion. Western Australia Complete. The Great Northern Highway - Ord and Turkey Creek - Stage 1 - Road Improvements were completed in late 2019. 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. |
| 1.2 | 66 | Bridges Renewal Program — $760 million | Cth, local govt | 2015 - 2025 | The Bridges Renewal Program provides funding for the upgrades of road bridges that will enhance access for local communities and facilitate vehicle access to boost the local economy. Around 85 per cent of funding under the Program has gone to projects located in rural and regional areas. This initiative is also reported on under Action 1.1. |
| 1.2 | 67 | Upgrades to port infrastructure in the external territories — $31.9 million | Cth | 2016 - 2023 | The Australian Government is currently finalising an Approach to Market for the replacement of the Christmas Island Wharf Crane. Should the Approach to Market be deemed successful and a contract signed, works are slated to begin in the second quarter of the 2021-22 financial year. Funding received for the Port Infrastructure Detailed Business Case has been expended and the resulting Detailed Business Case was incorporated into the 2021-22 Budget as part of the Strategic Asset Management funding bid for the territories for all asset classes, including the ports. |
| 1.2 | 68 | Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program — $607 million | Cth | 2013 - 2025 | Reported under Action 1.1. |
| 1.2 | 69 | Adelaide – Tarcoola Rail Upgrade Acceleration $252 million | Cth | 2017 - 2021 | Complete. The Australian Government fully funded the Australian Rail Track Corporation to undertake the Adelaide to Tarcoola re-railing project, which was completed in early 2021. The works improve the productivity of existing services and the operating performance to allow heavier, more efficient freight trains to operate at faster speeds. |
| 1.2 | 70 | Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program $44 million | Cth | 2019 - 2022 | The Australian Government is supporting 38 eligible proposals under the Interface Improvement Program (Round 1 and 2), 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. 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. |
| 1.2 | 71 | Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation – Tranches 1-3 including Port of Burnie Shiploader Upgrade — (Cth: $211.6m; state: $187.6m) | Cth, Tas | 2015 - 2024 | The three tranches of the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program include a range of upgrades such as sleeper and track replacement, formation rectification, yard and terminal track work, level crossing upgrades, and rail corridor drainage improvements. These upgrades will increase efficiency, improve safety and reliability, and on-time running. Upgrades under tranches 1 and 2 commenced in 2015 and are expected to be completed by mid-2023. The Australian Government has contributed a combined $28 million to the Network and Off Network projects under tranche 3. Both of these projects are under construction having started in June 2021 and are expected to be completed by mid-2024. In addition to this, the Australian Government has committed $64 million to the Port of Burnie Shiploader Upgrade which is expected to start works late in 2021 and be completed in the first half of 2023. |
| 1.2 | 72 | Inland Rail — $14.5 billion | Cth, NSW, Vic, Qld | 2018 - 2027 | Through the 2020-21 Budget, the Australian Government invested an additional $5.5 billion in equity for the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to deliver an enhanced Inland Rail – with more construction that supports another 5,800 jobs at the peak of construction. Significant milestones were reached in the delivery of Inland Rail during 2020-21, including completion of the Parkes to Narromine section in September 2020 and commencement of early construction works on the Narrabri to North Star section in November 2020. The 104km section of Parkes to Narromine track commenced operations in September 2020 and the upgrades have provided a more reliable service for freight moving along that line. The enhanced service offering of Inland Rail is available now between Parkes and Narromine, with freight efficiencies flowing through supply chains that reach from Sydney in the east as far as Perth and Adelaide in the west. Victoria Victoria is supporting the ARTC in its delivery of Inland Rail. Discussions with ARTC and local councils regarding development opportunities along the North East corridor are ongoing. |
| 1.2 | 73 | Regional Aviation Access Program — $72.7 million | Cth | 2021 - 2024 | The Regional Aviation Access Program is comprised of the following components:
Round 8 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program was announced in May 2021, providing $8.2 million to 46 safety and access upgrades. The Remote Air Services Subsidy Scheme provides connectivity to 268 remote communities through weekly flights, conveying passengers, essential supplies, food and mail. |
| 1.2 | 74 | Regional Airports Program — $100 million | 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 61 regional airport projects under Round 1 of the Program. Successful projects under Round 2 will be announced in the second half of 2021. |
| 1.2 | 75 | Black Spot Program — $1.2 billion | Cth | Ongoing | The Black Spot Program targets road locations where crashes are occurring, reducing the risk of crashes through funding safety measures such as traffic signals, roundabouts, turning lanes, safety barriers and lighting at locations with a history of at least three casualty crashes in five years. Programs of this sort are very effective, saving the community many times the cost of the relatively minor road improvements that are implemented. In line with national road safety policy objectives, approximately 50 per cent of Black Spot funds in each state (other than Tasmania, ACT and the NT) are reserved for projects in non-metropolitan areas. More than 360 projects were funded in the 2020-21 program year. |
| 1.2 | 76 | Roads to Recovery Program — $6.2 billion | Cth, local govt | 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. More than 2,370 projects funded under Roads to Recovery were completed in 2020-21. |
| 1.2 | 77 | Deliver and improve key freight programs and projects | NSW | 3 - 5 years | The NSW Government is funding key infrastructure programs including Fixing Local Roads, Fixing Country Bridges and Fixing Country Rail to improve freight connectivity. The NSW Government announced accelerated funding for the Fixing Country Bridges Program in February 2021, with more than $290 million shared across 54 councils to replace 424 bridges in round one. In 2020, the Australian Government committed an additional $191 million to the Fixing Local Roads Program, this increased the total funding for the Fixing Local Roads Program to $691 million. Round 1 of the Fixing Local Roads Program saw $243 million of joint funding allocated to 253 projects in 84 Local Government Areas, and it was announced in June 2021 that Round 2 will see $150 million allocated to 108 road projects in 90 Local Government Areas. Additional projects have also been announced under the $400 million Fixing Country Rail Program, including upgrading the Junee – Griffith line and the Berry-Bomaderry Line. |
| 1.2 | 78 | 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 has enabled improved access for Higher Productivity Vehicles with a focus on improved network access. Transport for NSW has now published a Performance Based Standards (PBS) 2B Tier 1 network. |
| 1.2 | 79 | Fund infrastructure improvements to increase high productivity vehicle road access | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government continues to make investments through road infrastructure programs across state and council roads to improve the road network and make it more accessible for higher productivity vehicles. These funding programs include the Fixing Country Roads, Bridges for the Bush and the Regional Road Freight Corridor Fund, Fixing Local Roads and Fixing Country Bridges. |
| 1.2 | 80 | Provide funding under the Regional Road Freight Corridor Fund to upgrade | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government continues to provide funding under the Road Freight Corridor Fund. Examples of regional projects to be delivered from across the program include Singleton Bypass on the New England Highway and heavy duty pavement from Narrabri to Moree. |
| 1.2 | 81 | 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. Transport for NSW has commenced development of a Port Efficiency Strategy. |
| 1.2 | 82 | 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 | 83 | Assist local councils to plan for freight needs | NSW | Ongoing | 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. Transport for NSW has also published a Last Mile Toolkit to assist urban planners, developers and government to give greater consideration to freight and servicing demands for new buildings and precincts as part of the planning process. It also promotes better management of freight and servicing for existing buildings. |
| 1.2 | 84 | Murray Basin Freight Rail Project | Vic, Cth | 2016 - 2023 | The Murray Basin Freight Rail (MBFR) project is delivering a variety of upgrades to the freight rail network in western Victoria, including gauge standardisation, track upgrades, construction of new passing loops and the modernisation of signalling and scheduling infrastructure. Since 2016, the Australian Government has committed at total of $440.4 million towards the $689 million MBFR project. The current project scope and funding commitment will not fully standardise the Murray Basin Freight Rail network. In June 2019 the Victorian Government halted works on the project, citing significant project delivery issues and insufficient funds to deliver the full scope. Prior to the project being halted in 2019, the first two of four planned stages were delivered. From November 2019 to March 2020, the Victorian Department of Transport (DoT) undertook a review of the original 2015 business case. The 2020 Business Case Review was publicly released in October 2020. In December 2020, then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, the Hon Michael McCormack MP announced $200.2 million of additional funding to progress with agreed works on an 80:20 basis. The Department receives regular progress updates through the monthly Murray Basin Freight Rail Steering Committee, held most recently on 10 August 2021. Delivery of the revised package of works is currently focused on planning, procurement and mobilisation with some early works underway. The project is currently anticipated to be completed by the end of 2023, with the most intense period of construction works occurring between Q2 2022 and Q4 2023 |
| 1.2 | 85 | Regional Rail Freight Network Planning | 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. The Regional Rail Freight Framework has been completed and submitted for review in August 2021. Pending approval, funding will be considered in 2023. The Australian Government has offered $7.5 million funding to develop an Import and Export (IMEX) rail shuttle business case to connect the Interstate Freight Precincts (Western and/or Beveridge) to the Port of Melbourne, which will form the basis of the next step in freight rail strategy development. |
| 1.2 | 86 | Bruce Highway Action Plan | Qld | 2013 - 2028 | The Bruce Highway Trust Advisory Council is overseeing the development of a 15-year Vision for the Bruce Highway, three five-year rolling Action Plans and the Safer Bruce 2030 Action Plan to assist both Australian and Queensland Governments in identifying future priority upgrades between Brisbane and Cairns to unlock economic growth, build flood resilience and improve road safety for all road users. The inaugural meeting of the Council was held in July 2020, followed by a second meeting in November 2020. The Council is adding six additional regionally based members to include users and road safety and regional development experts, from along the Bruce Highway north of Gympie. The identification of future priorities on the Bruce Highway will be informed by the customer research outcomes and interviews with key stakeholders, focus group sessions and an online customer survey to identify regional priorities. |
| 1.2 | 87 | Warrego Highway Upgrade Program | Qld, Cth | Complete | The $635 million Warrego Highway Upgrade Program is now complete. The program was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on an 80:20 federal:state funding basis. Following the program’s completion, the Australian and Queensland governments have committed $543.9 million for Warrego Highway Future Priorities, with the Mount Crosby interchange upgrade identified as a key priority for the Queensland Government. Planning is underway to determine upgrade priorities between Dinmore and Helidon Spa, with safety treatments to be delivered in the interim. |
| 1.2 | 88 | Bruce Highway Upgrade | Qld, Cth | 2013 - 2028 | The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, established in 2013, was initially underpinned by an $8.5 billion 10-year program of upgrade works on the highway. In 2021, the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program was expanded to a $13 billion, 15-year program (2013–14 to 2027–28) following additional funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments (80:20 federal:state funding basis). As at July 2021, major projects completed under the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program include Townsville Northern Access, Sandy Gully Bridge Upgrade, Cattle and Frances Creek upgrade (south of Ingham), Townsville Ring Road Stage 4, Mackay Ring Road – Stage 1, Yeppen Flood Plain Upgrade (Rockhampton), Cooroy to Curra Sections A and C and Boundary Road Interchange (Narangba). Major projects nearing completion or underway include Cairns South Access Stage 4 (Kate Street to Aumuller Street), Haughton River Floodplain and Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway upgrade, with further major projects committed, such as Rockhampton Ring Road and Cooroy to Curra – Section D. |
| 1.2 | 89 | Bruce Highway Safety Package | Qld | Ongoing | The Bruce Highway Safety Package continues to be delivered as part of the overall $13 billion, 15-year (2013–14 to 2027–28) Bruce Highway Upgrade Program. The Bruce Highway Safety Package looks to improve the overall safety of the highway. As at the end of March 2021, safety improvements delivered as part of Bruce Highway Upgrade Program include hundreds of kilometres of wide centre line treatments, shoulder sealing and audio tactile line markings, 30 new rest areas/stopping places and various intersection improvements (such as protected right-hand turns) along the corridor. |
| 1.2 | 90 | Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme | Qld | Ongoing | Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme funding ($70 million) is delivered as an annual grant allocation to Regional Roads and Transport Groups. |
| 1.2 | 91 | Develop major route plans on major highways | WA | Short term | Complete. 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 | 92 | Regional Road Safety Program (new) | WA, Cth, local govt | 2020 - 2022 | The $455 million Regional Road Safety Program aims to deliver road safety improvements. It includes installation of audible edge lines and widening the road surface by sealing of road shoulders to provide a more forgiving road environment. These much-needed road safety treatments are being delivered across the state to upgrade up to 7,000km of roads by July 2022. When complete, up to 50 per cent of the State’s regional road network will be upgraded, helping to prevent up to 2,000 fatal or serious injury crashes. The program is funded 20/80 State and Federal respectively. |
| 1.2 | 93 | Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network | WA, Cth, local govt | Short term | The Wheatbelt Strategic Freight Network identified 80 routes that connect with state and national highways and enable 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 for road upgrades. As at 30 June 2021, 16 local governments had projects approved for funding to the amount of $19.5 million. An additional $100 million (Australian, WA and Local Governments) was approved for release over the next five years, taking the total funding amount to $187 million. |
| 1.2 | 94 | Revitalising Agricultural Freight Strategy | WA | Short term | The final version of the Revitalising Agricultural Region Freight Strategy, released in June 2020, included a prioritised multi-modal project list. The WA Government is now progressing the Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements program. $200 million in State and Commonwealth funding has been committed for high priority freight projects, to be delivered over a four year period. A broader list of road and rail projects are being assessed through a Stage 2 Infrastructure Australia submission, due for completion in September 2021. |
| 1.2 | 95 | Strzelecki Track Wider Economic Benefit Analysis | SA, Cth | 2019 - 2020 | A business case was commenced following completion of wider economic benefit analysis in March 2020. Options investigation lead to identification of a capping solution as the preferred treatment. As a result, the Australian and South Australian Governments have committed $210 million to completion of the project. The business case will be finalised in third quarter 2021. Approximately 50km of the track was sealed by June 2021 and completion is due in mid-2024 subject to weather conditions. |
| 1.2 | 96 | Grain/minerals port on Eyre Peninsula | SA | Ongoing | This initiative will be informed by the Bulk Export Supply Chain Study (see item under Action 1.1). |
| 1.2 | 97 | Horrocks Highway improvements | SA | 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 commenced in January 2021. All works are planned to be open to traffic by June 2023. |
| 1.2 | 98 | Roads of Strategic Importance | SA, Cth | 2020 - 2024 | See update on South Australian items under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative under Action 1.1. These are Port Augusta to Perth (SA section including Eyre Peninsula network) corridor; Cockburn to Burra corridor and Renmark to Gawler corridor. |
| 1.2 | 99 | Remote Areas Consultative Group | SA | Ongoing | South Australia chaired the Remote Areas Consultative Group, which aims to improve the efficiency and productivity of transport in remote Australia. Members focussed on COVID-19 response and the Heavy Vehicle National Law review during the year. |
| 1.2 | 100 | Productivity improvements (Thomas foods facility, Dublin Saleyards, Bratten bridge, Naracoorte roundabouts, Kroemers Crossing) | SA | 2020 - 2021 | This project involves infrastructure upgrades facilitating improved access for high productivity vehicles.
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| 1.2 | 101 | Rural Roads Package — Safety Package (i.e. overtaking lanes, shoulder sealing, and pavement and intersection improvements) | SA | 2020-2023 | This project involves road infrastructure improvements aimed at increasing safety. Works include shoulder sealing and overtaking lanes in multiple works packages. Initial works packages completed with the full package of works expected to be open to traffic by December 2022. |
| 1.2 | 102 | Kangaroo Island Road Safety and Bushfire Resilience Package – (new) | SA, Cwth | 2021-2024 | The Australian and South Australia Governments committed $40 million in their 2021-22 Budgets (on an 80:20 basis) to upgrade key Kangaroo Island road corridors. Roads to be upgraded include the Playford Highway (west of Kingscote) and Hog Bay Road. The road upgrades will improve tourism routes, enhance bushfire resilience and improve freight access to ports. |
| 1.2 | 103 | Restricted Access Vehicle Network Development Study (new) | SA | April - October 2021 | The Study will inform strategic development of the Restricted Access Vehicle network in South Australia through a combination of targeted stakeholder engagement and freight data analysis. The contract has been awarded and stakeholder engagement commenced. |
| 1.2 | 104 | Bulk Export Supply Chain Study (new) | SA | See Bulk Export Supply Chain Study under Action 1.1. | |
| 1.2 | 105 | Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan — $565 million | Tas, Cth | 2015 - 2025 | The Australian and Tasmanian Governments have committed $565 million to improve safety for passenger and freight users on this key intra-state highway. The Australian Government’s contribution is made under the Building Our Future Program. Significant progress has been made, with 21 projects delivered to date, and several others under planning and construction. |
| 1.2 | 106 | Bridgewater Bridge Replacement — $576 million | Tas, Cth | 2019 - 2024 | The Bridgewater Bridge is a critical part of the transport and freight link between the northern and southern regions of Tasmania. The current Bridgewater Bridge is reaching the end of its serviceable life and does not meet contemporary loading and design standards of the National Land Transport Network. The Tasmanian and Australian Governments have committed a total of $576 million to build a replacement bridge. Construction will commence in 2022 with traffic expected to be on the bridge by the end of 2024. |
| 1.2 | 107 | Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Project: Tranche Two — $119.6 million | Tas, Cth | 2019 - 2023 | See Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation – Tranches 1-3 including Port of Burnie Shiploader Upgrade under Australian Government in Action 1.2. |
| 1.2 | 108 | Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Project: Tranche Three — $96 million | Tas, Cth | 2021 - 2024 | See Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation – Tranches 1-3 including Port of Burnie Shiploader Upgrade under Australian Government in Action 1.2. |
| 1.2 | 109 | Devonport Port upgrades — $240 million | Tas | 2021 - 2022 | Devonport Port carries high volumes of container and trailerised freight and is Tasmania’s key passenger port. The existing Port is unable to support longer and larger vessels, including those of the existing operators, or meet forecast freight and passenger volumes. There are also landside operational inefficiencies and capacity constraints for operators. The upgrades will deliver two reconfigured and upgraded terminals, accommodating new and larger vessels and supporting increased freight capacity and passenger numbers. |
| 1.2 | 110 | Hobart Port precinct capacity improvements — $137 million | Tas | TBA | The Port of Hobart is a major Tasmanian deep-water port, supporting a range of industries, including bulk log exports, container exports, bulk fuel imports, commercial fishing, Antarctic exploration and cruise ships. The current condition of major wharves limit growth opportunities, with existing wharf assets approaching end of life and requiring significant annual maintenance. The Port is a critical link in delivering the Australian Antarctic program and developing the Antarctic and Science Precinct at Macquarie Point. Potential options include wharf improvements, supporting infrastructure to increase exports, and a potential terminal and other visitor facilities for tourists. |
| 1.2 | 111 | Port of Burnie capacity upgrades — $145 million | Tas | TBA | Existing port capacity and infrastructure at the Port of Burnie is limiting export opportunities, particularly within the mining and mineral sector. The project will examine options to better support higher export volumes and in-port efficiencies, including additional berth and terminal capacity to support larger ships, channel works to accommodate Panamax vessels, new ship-loading infrastructure and transport access improvements. The project has been identified as a Priority Initiative by Infrastructure Australia. TasPorts is currently assessing options under Stage 2 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework, including preliminary engineering designs, master plan modelling and an expression of interest process with the market to get a better understand of volume forecasts and levels of service required within the Port. |
| 1.2 | 112 | New bulk minerals ship loader at Burnie Port — $64 million | Tas, Cth | 2021 - 2022 | The new bulk minerals ship loader at Burnie Port will help secure the future of Tasmanian mining exports. The project is expected to commence construction in late 2021 and be completed by late 2022. See Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation – Tranches 1-3 including Port of Burnie Shiploader Upgrade under Australian Government in Action 1.2. |
| 1.2 | 113 | Bass Strait Ferry Replacement Program | Tas | 2023 - 2024 | TT-Line has contracted Finnish shipbuilder RMC to deliver two vessels to replace the existing Spirit of Tasmania vessels. The replacement vessels are due to arrive in Tasmania in late 2023 and 2024. The vessels will deliver a significant increase in freight and passenger capacity. |
| 1.2 | 114 | Launceston Airport Infrastructure Upgrades — $11.6 million | Tas, Cth, Launceston Airport | 2020 - 2021 | The Tasmanian and Australian Governments has committed funding ($5.15 million and $1.3 million respectively) for upgrades at Launceston Airport. The remaining funding ($5.15 million) is being provided by Launceston Airport. The project will see the passenger terminal upgraded, improved security screening and construction of a new freight handling facility. The project is in the planning and design phase. |
| 1.2 | 115 | Hobart Airport Infrastructure Upgrades — $10 million | Tas | 2021 - 2022 | The Tasmanian Government has committed $10 million toward infrastructure works to deliver facilities for border force, quarantine and border security functions to support a trial of direct international passenger flights between Tasmania and Auckland. |
| 1.2 | 116 | Feasibility study of a Canberra to Eden railway line | ACT | Complete | The NSW Government finalised a feasibility study of a Canberra to Eden railway line in May 2020. The feasibility study found that the project is not viable. 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. |
| 1.2 | 117 | Upgrades to Canberra - Sydney rail infrastructure | ACT, NSW | Short - medium term | The ACT will continue to work with the Australian and NSW Governments on upgrades to this corridor to support improved passenger services as well as infrastructure and track upgrades which support freight movements. |
| 1.2 | 118 | East-West Regional Freight Network | ACT | Ongoing | The ACT Government lodged a submission to the 2020 Infrastructure Priority List for this project, which 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. NB: The 2021 Infrastructure Priority List no longer lists a separate ‘National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy’ initiative, as the initiative is now under delivery. |
| 1.2 | 119 | NT Airports Expansion Program | NT | 2 years | In late 2020, the freight and cold storage facility at Darwin International Airport was completed and is now fully operational. This accredited facility has direct airside access and includes a vapour heat plant capable of treating 18 tonnes of produce per day, chiller capacity for 1200 pallets chiller and freezer capacity for 1000 pallets. The Airport Development Group has also recently announced plans to build a jointly-funded $60 million project with the Australian Government, which will see a diesel fuel storage facility built at East Arm, to provide local industry with competitively priced and secure access to this critical resource. In addition, the Airport Development Group is progressing with major redevelopment plans for the resort and hotels, major road upgrades to improve safety for all road users, and the installation of Phase 1 solar works comprising an additional 4 megawatt rooftop array across four businesses operating at the Airport. In the terminal, a new automatic bag drop system, the first of its kind in Australia, will allow for multi-airline check-in, and old technology is being replaced as new aerobridges are installed. |
| 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, Defence and Border Force and other 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. In June 2021, the NT Government finalised a project development agreement with the Paspaley Group to operate the facility. Government has continued to attain all relevant environmental studies to secure the requisite environmental and development approvals. The NT Government engaged GHD to prepare a Procurement Strategy to deliver the project and the Expression of Interest phase of the procurement was completed in June 2021. The next phase, Request for Proposal commenced in July 2021. It is envisaged that a Design and Construct Contract will be awarded in late 2021 or early 2022, with construction scheduled to commence mid-2022, subject to obtaining relevant approvals and the successful Contractor’s design and procurement program and its progress. |
| 1.3 | 121 | Developing a world- leading satellite positioning capability for Australia — $224.9 million | Cth | Ongoing | 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 satellite positioning will generate at least $6.2 billion in the Australian economy over 30 years through new technologies and greater efficiencies. To deliver the national positioning capability:
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| 1.3 | 122 | Access to spectrum | Cth | Ongoing | The Australian Communications and Media Authority is continuing to monitor developments internationally relevant to freight applications such as connected and automated vehicles, and plans to commence a review of its current arrangements for Intelligent Transport Systems in the July to September quarter of 2021. |
| 1.3 | 123 | Continue the Mobile Black Spot Program | Cth | 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. More than 1,270 base stations have been funded under the program, with over 946 now in operation. Completed base stations are providing new and improved mobile coverage to more than 8,000km of major transport routes. $80 million has been allocated for the next round of the program, Round 6, the process for which is expected to commence in late 2021. | |
| 1.3 | 124 | Rollout of the National Broadband Network | Cth | On 11 December 2020, the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts of Australia, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, declared that the National Broadband Network (NBN) is to be treated as built and fully operational under Section 48 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011 (the Act). With the volume build of the network complete, NBN Co is focused on implementing a $4.5 billion upgrade of the network and completing the small number of outstanding ‘complex connections’. NBN Co has reduced the number of remaining ‘complex connections’ to less than 12,000 as of 30 June 2021. NBN Co provides quarterly progress reporting on the remaining complex connections in its weekly progress report available on the NBN Co website at www. nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/about-nbn-co/corporate-plan/weekly-progress-report. | |
| 1.3 | 125 | Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G uptake | Cth | Australia’s major mobile network operators continue to expand their active 5G networks. Telstra’s network now covers 2,700 suburbs, offering 5G services to 75 per cent of the population. Optus has deployed over 1,300 5G sites covering 830,000 households, while TPG Telecom plans for its 5G rollout to cover more than 85 per cent of the population in the top six cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra) by the end of 2021. On 29 September 2020, the Australian Government announced the establishment of the $22.1 million Australian 5G Innovation Initiative to support the demonstration of 5G use cases to showcase the productivity boosting applications of 5G. The Initiative is an open and competitive grants program with two rounds of funding over three years to support private sector investment in 5G testbeds and trials, including Internet of Things (IoT) applications, which will help build Australia’s 5G ecosystem. The Australian Council of Learned Academies released its report into the opportunities and implications presented by IoT applications in November 2020. The report explored a range of applications across Australian cities and regions; to create an on-demand manufacturing sector, enhance telehealth to tailor patient care and support the monitoring and treatment of COVID-19 patients in their own homes. Telstra has approximately 3 million square kilometres of LTE-M coverage and around 4 million square kilometres of Narrowband-IoT coverage. As of June 2021, this coverage is already being used to connect more than 4 million devices. Both Optus and TPG Telecom also operate IoT networks. | |
| 1.3 | 126 | Examination of technology models for deployment of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems | All, Austroads | 2020 - 2021 | A joint project to develop strategies to support Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems deployment models is underway in collaboration with the Australian, Queensland and NSW Governments and Austroads, with research delivered by WSP. |
| 1.3 | 127 | Reforms to enable data collection from Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems | Ongoing | A national working group to address government access to, and use of, vehicle generated data has been established. The National Transport Commission, Australian Government, industry stakeholders, state and territory governments and Austroads will participate and report back to Infrastructure and Transport Ministers annually on progress. In its 2021-22 work program, Austroads will undertake a project covering connected vehicle and road agency data exchange. This will support road agency assessment of organisational changes needed to enable effective data collection from Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems. It will identify what vehicle-generated data manufacturers capture, then run a pilot testing the feasibility, and legal and operational requirements, of importing this data into road agencies’ systems. | |
| 1.3 | 128 | 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 | 129 | 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. Transport for NSW is also undertaking a Strategic Business Case for a Freight Community System to rapidly and securely exchange information and provide visibility of data across freight supply chains. |
| 1.3 | 130 | 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. Transport for NSW released in March 2021 the Future Technology Roadmap. |
| 1.3 | 131 | 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 | 132 | Support national reforms to investment in the freight network | NSW | 5 – 10 years | Transport for NSW will continue to work with the Australian Government and other jurisdictions on national reforms, such as the Heavy Vehicle Road Reform, to support investment in the freight network. |
| 1.3 | 133 | Explore opportunities to apply new technology to manage transport networks | All | 2019 - 2021 | Under the Heavy Vehicle Safety Action Plan, the first of six Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) enabled rest area sites (at Ogmore) was operational at the end of October 2020. |
| 1.3 | 134 | Smart Freeway – Kwinana Northbound | WA | Completed | Complete. The smart freeway became fully operational in August 2020. Kwinana Freeway northbound, from Roe Highway to the Narrows Bridge, has saved drivers up to 10 minutes on journey time. Along with installing new technologies and traffic signals at five northbound on-ramps, Perth’s first Smart Freeway involved converting the emergency lane into an additional traffic lane, from Canning Highway to the Narrows Bridge. |
| 1.3 | 135 | Regional Telecommunications Project: National Strategy Integration | WA | Short term | A has continued to invest in improving mobile coverage along highways and arterial roads. Four base stations were completed in 2020-21, with co-investment from the Australian Government and mobile network operators. A further ten sites are planned in 2021- 22. |
| 1.3 | 136 | Fremantle Ports real time data project | WA | Short term | The initiatives under the WA real-time data gathering project achieved the following:
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| 1.3 | 137 | Grainbelt Digital Enhancement Program | WA, Industry | Medium term | Rounds 1, 2 and 3 have been awarded and rollout of fixed wireless installations is under way across the Grainbelt. The Program will deliver enterprise-grade connectivity across 110,000km2 representing 55 per cent of the Grainbelt. |
| 1.3 | 138 | South Eastern Freeway - Managed Motorway Measures Project (new) | SA, Cth | 2020 - 2021 | The South Eastern Freeway - Managed Motorway Measures Project, jointly funded by the Australian Government and South Australian Government, commenced in May 2020. The project will convert the existing emergency lane into a third full time travel lane and implement a Managed Motorway on both the up and down tracks of the South Eastern Freeway between Crafers and Stirling. The three lane Managed Motorway will include an Intelligent Transport System, with variable speed limits and a Lane Use Management system. This will enable the allocation and control of lanes across the freeway to improve safety and traffic flow. Finishing, testing and commissioning works commenced late December 2020 and was completed in February 2021. |
| 1.3 | 139 | Great Eastern Drive Mobile Coverage Program | Tas | 2021 - 2022 | This program aims 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, with 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. |
| 1.3 | 140 | Low and Zero Emissions Vehicles | 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 has also introduced 2-year’s free registration for new and used light passenger and commercial vehicles first registered in the ACT from 24 May 2021 to 30 June 2024. In 2020, the ACT has also released its Zero-Emission Transition Plan that outlines the pathway to achieve the Government’s ambition of a zero-emission public transport system by 2040. |
| 1.3 | 141 | Remote Telecommunications Co- investment Program | NT | 4 years | In addition to the 18 remote sites identified for the 2015-18 program, an additional 14 remote sites were identified for the 2019 22 program. Of the 14 new sites, four sites are completed and 10 sites are currently being designed. Five of the new program sites will provide greater coverage on key transport corridors, including one on the Stuart Highway and the other four on key regional and remote roads. All sites are expected to be completed by the end of 2022. |
| 1.4 | 142 | Advance heavy vehicle road reform to facilitate efficient investment in infrastructure | All | Ongoing | There are four heavy vehicle road reform elements: National Service Level Standards (SLS) for roads; expenditure plan reviewing; independent setting of heavy vehicle charges; and dedicating heavy vehicle revenue to roads (hypothecation). Extensive public consultation in 2020 on reforms to the way heavy vehicle charges are set and invested (supply side reforms) was undertaken by the Australian Government on behalf of all governments. In November 2020, following the public consultations, Infrastructure and Transport Ministers noted industry and other stakeholders (including local government representatives) broadly supported the reforms. Ministers also endorsed progress on the first and foundational element of the reform package – a draft Framework for National Service Level Standards for Roads – with the aim of finalising this framework by November 2021. Infrastructure and Transport Ministers in May 2021 agreed a pathway towards implementation of these reforms, with a series of gateway decisions on specific reform elements to be taken over the next three years. The Heavy Vehicle Road Reform pathway is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/transport-strategy-policy/ministers-meetings. New National Service Level Standards for roads will underpin road market reform. In November 2021, Infrastructure and Transport Ministers will consider a Standards framework establishing nationally-consistent road categories and setting out the different aspects of road performance that road users and managers value most – such as safety, reliability and efficiency. |
| 2.1 | 143 | Modernising agricultural trade — $32.4 million | Cth | 2018 - 2022 | Over the next three years the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment will continue implementing reforms to benefit our exporters. The changes will expedite the regulatory processes needed to get products to market and reduce administrative effort. Modernising the department’s export ICT services through implementing a suite of contemporary and connected digital services is the most significant reform. |
| 2.1 | 144 | National Rail Action Plan Work Program – Interoperability Standards | Cth | Phase 1 2019 – 2021, Phase 2 2021-24 | In May 2021, Infrastructure and Transport Ministers noted the successful delivery of the National Rail Action Plan and committed to further work and funding over the next three years to support initiatives including:
The National Rail Action Plan involves ongoing collaboration between governments and industry to support longer term productivity and safety benefits for the rail sector.
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| 2.1 | 145 | Ongoing harmonisation of national vehicle safety standards for freight vehicles | All | Ongoing | The Australian Design Rules provide national standards for vehicle safety (including freight vehicles). See National Harmonisation Program under Action 3.3. |
| 2.1 | 146 | Implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s mandate on electronic exchange of international maritime traffic information | Cth | Ongoing | The Australian Government is working toward the establishment of a maritime single window, which would enable all information required by government in connection to the arrival, stay and departure of a ship to be submitted via a single online portal. The maritime single window 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. A maritime single window is a requirement under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention), of which Australia is a signatory. The Australian Government continues to engage in negotiations at the IMO on changes to the FAL Convention, amendments to the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business (the software tool to develop maritime single windows) and on international guidelines for the development of maritime single windows, including authentication and harmonisation of information exchanges. The maritime single window will be interoperable with other Australian Government digital portals under development such as the trade single window – the main element of the simplified trade system reform agenda, which will deliver harmonised, simplified and integrated regulation, data and systems at the border. |
| 2.1 | 147 | M4 Smart Motorway Project | NSW | Ongoing | Completed. The NSW Government’s first smart motorway, the M4 Smart Motorway project, was permanently switched on in December 2020 to introduce intelligent technology to the M4 Motorway between Pitt Street, Mays Hill and Mulgoa Road, Penrith. |
| 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 | The Voluntary Port Performance Model arose from the Port Infrastructure Pricing and Access Review, completed in the 2019-20 annual progress report. The Model consists of a Voluntary Pricing Protocol which governs notification processes and timing for stevedore landside fees and charges, as well as the development of quarterly performance metrics to provide transparency to industry and Government on the performance of the Port of Melbourne landside container supply chain. The first Voluntary Performance Monitoring Framework Quarterly Report was published in early July 2021 to widespread positive media coverage, and a data protocol is being prepared ahead of the next request to stevedores, with work planned to continue improving the reporting methodology over the next 12 – 18 months. The report is available at transport.vic.gov.au/ports-and-freight/commercial-ports/ voluntary-port-performance-model/performance-indicator-dashboard. An expert consultant has been selected to provide advisory support, including the production of the quarterly reports throughout 2021-22, and commenced in June 2021. The Voluntary Pricing Protocol was published in July 2020 and the Victorian Government has committed to continue to listen to stakeholder feedback. Work is currently being undertaken by the National Transport Commission, which is assessing the potential for introduction of a national version of the Voluntary Port Performance Model. | |
| 2.1 | 150 | Heavy Vehicle Safety Action Plan | Qld | 2019 - 2021 | The first of six Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) enabled rest area sites (at Ogmore) was operational at the end of October 2020. A further five ITS enabled sites as part of the Bruce Highway rest area trial are due for completion during 2021. |
| 2.1 | 151 | Trade Community System | WA, NSW, Qld | Medium term | Following a successful proof of concept phase conducted by the Port of Brisbane in 2019-20, progress was made with Australian and New Zealand ports, including Fremantle Ports, to progress a Trade Community System pilot. This was intended to validate the commercial proposition in support of a Trade Community System. However, the Australian port-led initiative has been delayed due to a lack of funding, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 emergency. New South Wales has taken the lead on the project and WA will provide input as required. |
| 2.1 | 152 | ACT Transport Strategy 2020 | ACT | Medium term | The ACT Government released a new Transport Strategy in 2020, 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 ACT 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 supports the implementation of the ACT Freight Strategy 2016 by providing a policy 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 encourages exploration of 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 | TBD | The ACT has initiated access to Transport Certification Australia’s Telematics Analytics Platform for activation in the coming financial year. This will provide more detailed information of freight movements within the ACT including journey and speed maps of heavy vehicles. |
| 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 | The Australian Government’s Your Career website was launched in October 2020 (yourcareer.gov.au). The Your Career website is a platform of the National Careers Institute. It is designed to provide clear and simple careers information and to help people of all ages and circumstances better plan and manage their career. A dedicated freight and supply chain page has also been created on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment Jobs Hub . It includes tailored job search and employment planning information to build understanding of and connections to employment opportunities in the sector. The Australian Government will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to inform the development of resources for a wide range of job seekers looking for entry-level work and explore the most appropriate mechanisms for promoting this information to job seekers and employment service providers |
| 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 in the past made connections with a range of peak bodies 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. A pre-employment project was trialled in the trucking industry using the Launch into Work program. The Launch into Work program is the Australian Government’s leading tool for directly engaging employers in trialling new recruitment methods. The project involved creating an alternative entry pathway for women committed to taking on a career as atruck driver. The Australian Government will continue to work with employers with the aim of rolling out more of these opportunities. |
| 2.2 | 156 | 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 Australian Government continues to develop the capability of providers in placing job seekers into supply chain and logistics roles. In July 2022, the Australian Government will launch the New Employment Services Model. Online servicing of job seekers who are most ready for work is a key feature of the model. The model seeks to better meet the needs of a wide range of employers and industries. |
| 2.2 | 157 | Employment Facilitators | Cth | Ongoing | The Local Jobs Program supports tailored approaches to accelerate reskilling, upskilling and employment. In the 2021-22 Budget, the Program was expanded from 25 Employment Regions to cover all 51 Employment Regions across Australia and extended to 30 June 2025. The Program provides an Employment Facilitator in each region; a Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce and Local Jobs Plan in each region; projects funded through a Local Recovery Fund; and a $50 million National Priority Funding Pool. Employment Facilitators provide practical local support. For example, Perth South Employment Facilitator has been collaborating with the Western Roads Federation by supporting local linkages and referrals to the Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Skill Set (funded other JobTrainer), including promoting the course to employment services providers and other stakeholders. The first course started 12 April 2021 with the first 12 participants and new intakes of 12 participants will start every two weeks thereafter. |
| 2.2 | 158 | Development of competency standards for vocational education | Cth | Ongoing | The national training system is the Australian system for vocational education and training. The system is based on occupations skills standards, which are set out in units of competency within training packages. The Australian Industry and Skills Committee currently provides advice to governments on the skills standards and competencies needed by all Australian industries, as well as leadership and guidance to ensure the national training system provides the qualifications, knowledge and skill sets that industry needs, now and into the future. In 2018, the Australian Industry and Skills Committee commissioned the development of cross-sector supply chain skill sets (i.e. nationally recognised short courses) and units of competency for use by multiple industry sectors. The objective was to meet core skills needs that are common across industries, improving the efficiency of the national training system and supporting individuals to move more easily from one related occupation to another. Industry Reference Committees made up of industry leaders from a variety of backgrounds – from big business to small enterprises and peak bodies to unions – provided the formal channel for considering industry skills requirements. |
| 2.2 | 159 | National Rail Plan Work Program – Skills | Cth | Phase 1 2019–2021, Phase 2 2021-2024 | In May 2021, Infrastructure and Transport Ministers noted the successful delivery of the National Rail Action Plan and committed to further work and funding over the next three years to support initiatives including creation of a National Rail Skills Hub. The National Skills Hub is intended to co-ordinate between state academies and industry initiatives and improve access and pathways to current and future rail skills needed to build and operate the national rail network. The National Rail Action Plan involves ongoing collaboration between governments and industry to support longer term productivity and safety benefits for the rail sector. |
| 2.2 | 160 | Attracting women into aviation careers — $4 million | Cth | 2019 - 2022 | The Australian Government has committed $4 million over four years from 2018-19 for a range of initiatives to increase female participation in the aviation industry. Over the course of the initiative to date, over 6,500 face to face career conversations between young women, their parents and aviation industry representatives have occurred. While implementation of the program in 2019-20 and 2020-21 was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, a range of activities were undertaken including the promotion of aviation careers information at a range of conferences, workshops and careers events. Over the coming year, other events and activities are planned to occur in a number of states and territories. |
| 2.2 | 161 | Women in Transport Program | Vic | 2017 - 2020 | The Women in Transport (WiT) program aims to increase the number of women working in the public transport sector to 30 percent by the end of 2024. As at the end of June 2021, the representation of women within the public transport operators has increased by 7 percentage points, from 21 in Dec 2020 to 28%. Investment in the WiT program now totals $6.25m, including $2.404m from the 2020 Budget. This is an increase of $5.15m since the program began in March 2017. The new WiT Strategy 2021-24 is currently being implemented with 21 new initiatives to continue to improve gender equality in the transport sector. |
| 2.2 | 162 | Licensing of Heavy Vehicle Drivers Review | Vic | 2020 - 2023 | The Victorian Transport Association has been allocated $500,000 per year over three years for the delivery of the Transport and Logistics Industry Based Training Program. This funding will provide for 60 new heavy vehicle drivers into the transport and logistics sector each year until 2022-23, for a total of 240 new heavy vehicle drivers. $1.5 million from the funding program has been distributed to Road Safety Victoria to accelerate the implementation of Austroads work on the national heavy vehicle licensing standards and training, which is being led by Victoria on behalf of all jurisdictions. |
| 2.2 | 163 | Heavy Vehicle Driver 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. The Victorian Transport Association also runs Cadetship and Driver Delivery programs specifically target attracting and retaining younger employees in heavy vehicle driving and the transport sector. |
| 2.2 | 164 | Queensland Transport and Logistics Workforce Strategy and Action Plan | Qld | 2018 - 2023 | The Queensland Transport and Logistics Workforce Strategy and Action Plan identified the need for the strategy to reflect the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. An update to the Queensland Transport and Logistics Workforce Strategy and Action Plan 2021–2024 was undertaken and published in July 2021 (www.tmr.qld.gov.au/tliconnect). |
| 2.2 | 165 | Development of future- skills standards for the transport and logistics, aviation and maritime sectors | Qld | Ongoing | The Queensland Transport and Logistics Workforce Strategy and Action Plan 2021–2024 representatives are from a cross-section of industry modes and sectors, industry associations and the Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training. The committee meets quarterly and has ongoing engagement and input around skills and training, at a state and national level. |
| 2.2 | 166 | Development of future- skills standards for the transport and logistics, aviation and maritime sectors | WA | Short term | Research had been undertaken by the WA Government and Logistics and Defence Skills Council (Council) into suitable skills pathways, including mentoring and cadetships, in the logistics industry. However, COVID-19 has put all work in this area on hold while industries re-define their future skill needs.
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| 2.2 | 167 | State Aviation Training Strategy | WA | Short term | The Strategy is intended to cover the future skill needs of the aviation industry in WA. A draft training strategy was prepared at the beginning of 2020, following extensive consultation with key stakeholders by the WA Government and the 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. In February 2021, the McGowan Government committed $6.1 million to train more Western Australians in heavy vehicle driving . The Job Ready Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Skill Set and driver training will train an estimated 1000 skilled workers needed by the transport industry and remove barriers to entry in Heavy Rigid, Heavy Combination or Multi Combination heavy vehicle driving courses. The program is an expansion of a regional pilot program in Collie and is delivered by Central Regional TAFE. |
| 2.2 | 169 | Heavy Vehicle Access Liaison Officer (new) | SA | 2020 - 2022 | The SA Government in partnership with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator are funding the appointment of a Heavy Vehicle Access Liaison Officer to work with the Local Government Association of South Australia for two years. The main aim of the role is to assist the Local Government Association’s members in performing their road manager function under the Heavy Vehicle National Law and to work in partnership with the heavy vehicle freight industry and other stakeholders to undertake a holistic approach in the facilitation of heavy vehicle access whilst protecting investment in public infrastructure. The Heavy Vehicle Access Liaison Officer commenced in July 2020. |
| 2.2 | 170 | Industry Training Hub | Cth | Ongoing | Burnie in North West Tasmania has been identified as a location for one of the Australian Government funded Industry Training Hubs, which aims to deliver future pathways for young Australians for jobs of the future. Young people aged 15-24 in training hub areas will also be eligible to apply for a scholarship to undertake an eligible vocational education and training program of study. |
| 2.2 | 171 | Tasmanian Transport and Logistics Workforce Action Group | Tasmania | Ongoing | Through Skills Tasmania, the Tasmanian Government works with the Tasmanian Transport and Logistics Workforce Action Group, which is supported by the Tasmanian Transport Association. Projects have included developing resources to support recruitment to the top occupations in the sector, attracting women to work in the sector, and workforce planning. |
| 2.2 | 172 | Participation in the truck driver skills and shortage working group | ACT | Ongoing | 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 COVID-19, 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. |
| 2.2 | 173 | National Hydrogen Strategy | All | 2019 - 2030 | The 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 which includes hydrogen refuelling infrastructure as a priority. 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 professional services firm ARUP has been engaged to complete the first assessment which is on track to be completed by the end of 2021. Australian Government Alongside the Strategy, the Australian Government has committed over $1.2 billion funding to support development of the emerging hydrogen industry. Activities funded under this program may support use of hydrogen in mobility applications. This support is further backed by $1.62 billion in the 2020-21 Budget for Australia’s Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to support research and development for new technologies to cut emissions in agriculture, manufacturing, industry, and transport. This includes $74.5 million for a Future Fuels Package, to take advantage of opportunities offered by hydrogen, electric, and bio-fuelled vehicles, including through providing funding to support electric vehicle refuelling infrastructure. New South Wales The NSW government is currently developing a NSW Hydrogen Strategy, for release later in 2021. The strategy will include identifying strategic road freight corridors for hydrogen refuelling network. NSW will also publish a NSW refuelling network map with existing refuelling stations, including modelling results for station deployment staging based on freight and logistics traffic volumes. Queensland On 11 March 2021, the Queensland Government announced the establishment of a Hydrogen Taskforce to deliver on the Queensland Government’s vision for a sustainable hydrogen industry. The Taskforce is being supported by a Hydrogen Delivery Unit to deliver on the Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy 2019–2024. The Queensland Government is working to identify opportunities for hydrogen use by heavy vehicles (for instance in road freight, public transport) and the principles required for supporting infrastructure. Western Australia The WA Renewable Hydrogen Unit within the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation is liaising with the National Hydrogen Project Team on a range of topics and themes to ensure continued alignment and information sharing on transport related matters, with the objective of facilitating the utilisation of hydrogen for transport, including for freight. |
| 2.3 | 174 | Freight Energy Productivity Program (new) | Cth | 2021 - 2024 | The King Review Technology Co-investment Fund included a commitment of $24.5 million for a Freight Energy Productivity Program to increase the use of more fuel efficient technology in the road freight sector, reduce fuel use, increase productivity and reduce emissions. The program will be delivered through competitive grants to support efficiency improvements for diesel fleets, and vehicle modifications or new vehicle technologies. The uptake, impact and lessons learned from truck and fleet energy rating systems or equivalents will inform the program. |
| 2.3 | 175 | Future Fuels Strategy, (formerly titled ‘A National Strategy for Electric Vehicles’) | Cth | 2020 - 2021 | The Future Fuels Strategy will support the deployment of a range of new vehicle technologies and fuels. Consultation on the Future Fuels Strategy: Discussion Paper closed on 2 April 2021. Feedback from the consultation will inform the final Strategy to be delivered by the end of 2021. The final strategy will set out the Australian Government’s direction and practical actions that will enable the private sector to commercially deploy low emissions road transport technologies at scale. |
| 2.3 | 176 | Advanced Train Management System | Cth | 2014 - 2023 | The Australian Government is providing $270 million in funding to the Australian Rail Track Corporation for the implementation of the first three stages 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 September 2020, the ATMS was fully commissioned and became the primary signalling system between Port Augusta to Whyalla (Stage One). Stage Two (Tarcoola to Kalgoorlie) and Stage 3 (detailed design plus train-borne units Melbourne / Parkes to Perth) are currently underway and are progressing to build capacity for a large-scale deployment. The project is scheduled for completion in mid/late-2023. |
| 2.3 | 177 | Driver fatigue monitoring technology trials (NHVR: $250,000; industry) | Cth | Ongoing | The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) trial of fatigue safety related technologies was completed in 2019. The NHVR has transitioned the trial into a program of work to deliver key recommendations, including establishing of a policy for the potential use of Fatigue and Distraction Detection Technology and conducting an operational pilot to promote voluntary uptake of the technology by industry. An industry user working group has been established to work with the NHVR to deliver the new pilot commencing in mid- 2021. |
| 2.3 | 178 | Future Vehicles and Technology Program | All, Austroads | Ongoing | Austroads’ Future Vehicles and Technology Program is delivering a range of projects relating to vehicle automation and connectivity. The program supports organisations to deliver an improved road transport network that leverages the benefits of emerging technologies whilst minimising some of the risks inevitably faced during a period of such rapid change. The program is focused on four key themes: connected and automated vehicles, digital and physical infrastructure, low and zero emission vehicles, and capability building. Active projects that could facilitate new and innovative technologies that improve freight outcomes include:
Details are available at www.austroads.com.au/drivers-and-vehicles/future-vehicles-and-technology. |
| 2.3 | 179 | Road Safety Innovation Fund — $12 million | Cth | 2019 - 2023 | Two grant rounds for the Road Safety Innovation Fund have been undertaken with the full fund now allocated across 53 projects. Five of the projects funded directly benefit the heavy vehicle industry. |
| 2.3 | 180 | iMove Cooperative Research Centre $55 million matched with $178.8 million in cash and in-kind participant contributions | Cth, iMove | 2017 - 2027 | The Australian Government continues to partner with universities, researchers and industry experts on projects coordinated through the iMove Cooperative Research Centre. Freight-related projects the Australian Government has collaborated on through iMOVE include:
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| 2.3 | 181 | 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 | 2020-23 | In August 2019 Australian Infrastructure and Transport Ministers agreed an updated National Land Transport Technology Action Plan (2020-23) under the National Land Transport Technology Policy Framework. Priority 5.1 (identify and facilitate emerging technologies that improve freight outcomes) is related to the Action Plan of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy. The Australian, State and Territory Governments have been collaborating to develop projects to meet the Action Plan’s priorities. Progress of actions, including priority 5.1, is included in annual reporting on the National Land Transport Technology Action Plan provided to Infrastructure and Transport Ministers each November. |
| 2.3 | 182 | 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 | 183 | Intelligent Congestion Management Program | NSW | Ongoing | Release 1 and Release 2 of the Intelligent Congestion Management Program has been delivered on July 2020 and May 2021 respectively. Release 3 development is ongoing and is scheduled to be delivered in April 2022. |
| 2.3 | 184 | 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 | 185 | Undertake kick-start projects to scope the potential for building hydrogen refuelling stations in every state and territory | All | Ongoin | The Queensland Government has committed (through QFleet) to trial five Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles in the government fleet. This commitment is supporting the establishment by BOC Ltd of a Hydrogen Refuelling Station in Brisbane which is scheduled to be operational in 2021. In December 2020, the Queensland Government allocated a further $10 million for a second round of the Hydrogen Industry Development Fund. This round included a focus on transport applications. The Queensland Government has conditionally offered financial assistance to the University of Queensland (UQ) to support a project which will see installation of a Hydrogen Refuelling Station at the UQ 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 | 186 | Drone Network Impact Analysis | All | Ongoing | Queensland has published its findings on the plausible impacts of drone transport services – Drone Network Impact Analysis. These are available at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Community-and-environment/Planning-for-the-future/Emerging-technologies-and-trends. |
| 2.3 | 187 | Strategies to enable wider deployment of low emission vehicles | All | 2022 | The Queensland Government is developing the Zero Net Transport Emission Roadmap, expected to be finalised by early-2022. |
| 2.3 | 188 | Implementation of the Austroads Connected and Automated Vehicle Program | All | Short term | Main Roads WA is part of the Austroads Future Vehicles and Technology Taskforce and actively participates in the existing program of works, which includes the following projects: FCA6239 - Vehicles and technology further state 2030 project and FPI6119 - Automated steering functions, which are now closed; and FDI6216 – Road authority data for connected and automated vehicles (RADCAV). FDI6216 Austroads Road Authority Data for Connected and Automated Vehicles (RADCAV) project studied the provision of agency- owned data to CAVs addressing six high-priority data sets: roadworks, incidents, carriable speed limit signs and lane control signals, static speed limits, traffic signals, and heavy vehicle access restriction. Six data provision reports are produced to provide a general Data Provision Framework that can be used by an agency to build capability in providing data to vehicles for each of these data sets. |
| 2.3 | 189 | Performance-Based Standards Policy for Restricted Access Vehicles | WA | Short term | Complete. 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 | 190 | Low Emission Strategy development | WA | Medium term | WA participates in the National Low and Zero Emission Vehicle Working Group and continues to contribute to the various actions that underpin the National Low and Zero Emission Vehicle action plan. |
| 2.3 | 191 | Develop a kick start investment fund relating to hydrogen | WA | Medium term | The Renewable Hydrogen Unit is administering the delivery of the WA Renewable Hydrogen Fund that aligns and supports the WA Renewable Hydrogen Strategy. In 2020, round 1 of the Fund announced up to $10 million of grant funding for four capital works projects and seven feasibility studies. Two capital works projects and four feasibility studies with a transport strategic focus area received grant funding. Of these, two transport feasibility studies – Pacific Hydro’s ‘The Ord Hydrogen’ and ATCO Australia’s ‘Clean Energy Innovation Park’ were completed in early 2021. The second round of funding ($5 million) was received in August 2020 under the WA COVID-19 Recovery Plan. This round of funding is currently being finalised with an announcement due in Q3 of 2021. |
| 2.3 | 192 | Investigate low emissions policy levers | WA | Medium term | Under the WA Electric Vehicle Strategy, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles have been included within the definition of electric vehicles in WA policies. The WA Government is collaborating and consulting with transport industry stakeholders on potential policy options to stimulate demand for low and zero emission vehicles, including specific consideration for freight vehicles. An Electric Vehicle Action Plan was released in May 2021. The plan aims to deliver power grid systems requirements to facilitate with the integration of electric vehicles. |
| 2.3 | 193 | Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Strategy | WA | Long term | An Interagency Working Group comprising of key WA agencies including the Department of Transport is continuing to collaborate with WA Renewable Hydrogen Unit to implement the WA Renewable Hydrogen Strategy that identifies transport as one of the four key Strategic Focus Areas. |
| 2.3 | 194 | Real Time Traffic Congestion Management System | Tas | Complete | To combat traffic congestion, the Tasmanian Government has introduced a real Time Traffic Congestion Management System to provide better information for traffic managers and road users through the use of traffic monitoring technology. The System is now fully operational and in use within the Traffic Management Centre. This system is continuously being upgraded to introduce new functionality. |
| 2.3 | 195 | Participation in intergovernmental working groups – energy savings and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions | ACT | Long term | The ACT continues to actively 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 | 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. Due to increasing demand in Wing’s delivery services, a potential expansion is likely to include services beyond residential areas with quieter drone aircrafts. |
| 2.4 | 197 | Integrating community engagement as a part of freight related projects | All, Austroads | Ongoing | Community engagement is a key part of multiple freight related projects at all levels of government. National Urban Freight Planning Principles: The Principles, endorsed by Infrastructure and Transport Ministers on 28 May 2021, reflect outcomes from public consultation with over 60 organisations and individuals across the planning sector and freight industry. See National Urban Planning Forum under Action 3.2. Queensland industry engagement: 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. The Queensland Ministerial Freight Council has met a total of 14 times since its first meeting in 2016. Queensland Freight Strategy and Action Plan: The Strategy was released on 5 March 2019 and the Action Plan released on 28 September 2020. The Action Plan is a rolling two-year program of actions informed by industry stakeholder consultation and is made up of five Shared Commitments, two Critical Enablers, 11 Delivery Statements, 21 Actions, 47 Activities and 128 Deliverables. Best Practice Approaches to Road Freight and Communities: This Austroads project developed guidelines for best practice strategies and supporting materials for state, territory and local government road managers to communicate the importance of freight with a particular focus on road freight. This was undertaken within the concept of a ‘social licence to operate’ which refers to the fostering and maintenance of community and stakeholder support for projects and operations. It concluded in October 2020. Inland Rail: See Inland Rail Regional Liaison Offices under Action 2.4. |
| 2.4 | 198 | Safety Truck Campaign — $400,000 (Cth) $20,000 (NHVR provided) | Cth | 2018 - 2021 | 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 (SafeT360 Initiative) specifically targets 16- to 25-year-old drivers and vulnerable road users to deliver safety education programs that develop awareness of how to safely share the road with heavy vehicles. The Safety Truck attends industry led community events, career expos, high schools, TAFE and universities and other public events across Australia. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator provides $5,000 per year over four years to support the SafetyT360 program in directly engaging with schools across the country and educating students about sharing the road safely with trucks. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has joined forces with the ATA initiative to help children to become more aware of safety around heavy vehicles. |
| 2.4 | 199 | Inland Rail Regional Liaison Offices | Cth | Ongoing | The Regional Liaison Officers continue to facilitate and enhance the Australian 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:
The presence of regional offices has also supported effective engagement with communities along the Inland Rail alignment to better understand concerns and optimise benefits for local and regional stakeholders. Offices are located in Wodonga, Dubbo, Toowoomba and Moree. |
| 2.4 | 200 | Heavy Vehicle Safet Initiative — $22.1 million | Cth | Ongoing | As at 30 June 2021, there has been more than $22 million allocated to 89 projects across five rounds of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative. In 2020-21, $5.5 million was provided for round five of the program. Round five projects included a range of initiatives designed to increase knowledge of safe system road design while others were aimed at improving mental health awareness in the heavy vehicle sector. Round six applications closed on 21 February 2021. Successful applicants will be announced mid-2021. |
| 2.4 | 201 | Leading development and implementation of the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 and accompanying Action Plan (new) | All | 2021 - 2030 | On 28 May 2021, Infrastructure and Transport Ministers supported the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30, placing Australia on a path to achieve zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. The National Road Safety Strategy has been developed in consultation with states, territories and the local government association through a cross-jurisdictional working group. The draft National Road Safety Action Plan 2021-25 is undergoing a short, targeted consultation process with key road safety stakeholders prior to finalisation and release. |
| 2.4 | 202 | Research into noise impacts of freight operations and effectiveness of mitigation measures to inform future initiatives | NSW | 3 – 5 years | Transport for New South Wales is undertaking a project on key noise issues to inform future programs. |
| 2.4 | 203 | Ensure planning accommodates the growth of the freight task and protects community amenity | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government is continuing to plan for the growing freight task that improves productivity, safety and sustainability. Transport for NSW has commenced the development of a Port Efficiency Strategy and the Rail Freight Strategy. |
| 2.4 | 204 | Improve planning for last mile deliveries | NSW | Ongoing | Transport for NSW has published the Last Mile Toolkit to assist urban planners, developers and government to give greater consideration to freight and servicing demands for new buildings and precincts as part of the planning process. It also promotes better management of freight and servicing for existing buildings. |
| 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 | Closed | This initiative has been superseded by other Inner West Land Use Planning initiatives within the Victorian Government. |
| 2.4 | 207 | Heavy Vehicle Safety Action Plan | Qld | 2019 - 2021 | See Explore opportunities to apply new technology to manage transport networks under Action 1.3. |
| 2.4 | 208 | Improve the social license of freight | WA | Short term | A renewed social licence campaign as a result of COVID-19 was developed in 2020. The campaign “Thank Freight for That!” was social media based and highlighted the role freight played during COVID. The social media campaign resulted in an increased awareness of the role of freight by the community. The campaign ran 23 Nov 2020 to 20 Dec 2020 and had 600,000 views. The Freight and Logistics Council of WA is currently considering the next stage of the campaign. |
| 2.4 | 209 | 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 | 210 | Community engagement on freight issues | WA | Ongoing | The Freight and Logistics Council of WA’s Freight Rail Working Group continues to provide information and engage on issues relating to rail noise. |
| 2.4 | 211 | Tasmanian Planning Scheme | Tas | Ongoing | The Tasmanian Planning Scheme affords opportunities for the community to engage in new development proposals. Advertisement of proposals creates awareness in the community and allows community members to raise concerns that need to be addressed by the planning authority. More significant projects may be assessed under major projects legislation which also provides for community input. The Tasmanian Planning Policies project will provide an opportunity for the community to be part of setting planning priorities including protecting infrastructure. |
| 2.4 | 212 | 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 | 213 | National Urban Freight Planning Principles | All | Ongoing | The National Urban Freight Planning Principles were endorsed by Infrastructure and Transport Ministers on 28 May 2021. From next year, each jurisdiction will report on their practical actions to implement the Principles through the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy annual reporting process. Some early actions include:
WA Planning Policies apply at all stages of the planning process and include policy measures for application at the strategic level through to site-specific development. It is also anticipated local planning strategies, prepared by local governments, will consider the principles where relevant to their jurisdictions. |
| 3.1 | 214 | Norfolk Island Freight Planning | Cth, Norfolk Island | 2018 - 2022 | The remoteness of Norfolk Island means it is heavily reliant on sea and air freight. The Australian Government supports air freight to Norfolk Island by underwriting air freight services to and from the Island to ensure the continued delivery of critical supplies such as fresh groceries, food and medicine. This air freight service is essential due to the very thin sea freight supply chain. Through a Ports Management Strategy for Norfolk Island, the Australian Government is examining options that may deliver a more robust and reliable supply chain for sea freight. The Australian Government is also investigating the potential to enable a greater range of vessels to serve Norfolk Island with containerised freight and using roll-on-roll-off shipping in the short term, allowing development and implementation of the permanent solutions under consideration in the Ports Management Strategy. |
| 3.1 | 215 | Launceston City Deal | Cth, Tas, local govt | 2017 - 2027 | The Launceston City Deal is a 10-year initiative between the Australian and Tasmanian Governments and the City of Launceston. One of the initiatives of the Launceston City Deal is the 2019 Regional Economic Development Strategy for Northern Tasmania. It outlines strategic priorities for economic development within Northern Tasmania including better integration of regional transport and land use planning to ensure efficient supply chain connections throughout the region and inter-regionally, 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 Traffic Signal infrastructure upgrades and the installation of smart traffic management technology which is now complete. This project was undertaken to enable development of a live traffic management system to manage traffic flows and provide the foundations for bus, freight and emergency vehicle prioritisation in the future. 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 multimodal transport model for Greater Launceston, which will inform the development of a transport plan and supporting transport strategies for the city. The Greater Launceston Metropolitan Passenger Transport Plan is a 10-year strategic document to guide future passenger transport development and investment in Greater Launceston. In 2021, the Greater Launceston Transport Vision was released. The Vision establishes a framework for the sustainable and accessible growth of Greater Launceston’s transport system to facilitate the city’s future growth. The objective of the Vision is to ensure people are connected to their place of work. shopping. schools, essential services and leisure activities. All levels of government are now considering how the implementation of the Vision can be supported under the City Deal framework. |
| 3.1 | 216 | Albury Wodonga Regional Deal | Cth, NSW, Vic, local govt | 2021 - 2031 | The Australian, Victorian and NSW Governments and the Albury City and City of Wodonga Councils are progressing the package of projects that will deliver for the community over the ten-year life of the deal. It is expected that the Deal will be signed in 2021. The Australian Government has provided funding of $3.2m to support development of the deal. |
| 3.1 | 217 | South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal | Cth, Qld, local govt | TBC | City Deal partners are working closely together to consider priorities for the SEQ community in the context of recovery from COVID-19. The SEQ City Deal will seek to deliver a better connected region, create more jobs and support the region’s livability. |
| 3.1 | 218 | Hinkler Regional Deal | Cth, Qld, local govt | 2020 - 2025 | The first annual progress report on the Hinkler Regional Deal is expected to be released in August/September 2021. The Australian Government is working with deal partners (Fraser Coast Regional Council and Bundaberg Regional Council) and the Queensland Government to progress the land transport infrastructure projects tied to the Hinkler Deal. The multi-use bulk goods conveyor at the Port of Bundaberg will commence construction in late 2021/early 2022, and a pre-feasibility study on the future potential for an outer harbour will be completed in early 2022. The Queensland Government is developing a transport strategy to inform the Quay St upgrade. |
| 3.1 | 219 | Inland Rail Corridor Preservation | Cth, Vic, NSW, Qld | Ongoing | Victoria> 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. Queensland The Land Acquisition Deed was signed in November 2020. Queensland has protected two sections of the proposed Inland Rail route. Protection of additional corridors is being considered and will be subject to agreements and Environmental Impact Statement approvals. Investigation and planning are underway to enable extensive resumptions to commence in 2022–23 but this is subject to planning and environmental approvals. |
| 3.1 | 220 | Townsville City Deal | Cth, Qld, local govt | 2016 - 2031 | The fourth annual progress report on the Townsville City Deal is expected to be released in conjunction with the findings of the three-year formal review in September 2021. The Australian Government is working with deal partners (the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council) to progress the transport infrastructure projects tied to the Deal. The Port of Townsville channel upgrade commenced construction in March 2020 and is expected to be completed in late 2023. Preservation of the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor in ongoing. 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 | 221 | Western Sydney City Deal | Cth, NSW, local govt | 2018 - 2038 | The Western Sydney City Deal is a 20-year partnership between the Australian and NSW Governments and eight local governments in the Western Parkland City that leverages the Australian Government’s investment in the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. Key freight-related initiatives in the Western Sydney City Deal include:
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| 3.1 | 222 | Hobart City Deal | Cth, Tas, local govt | 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:
Start of works on the Bridgewater Bridge Replacement project is expected to commence in 2022 with people driving on the new bridge by late 2024. Direct international flights between Hobart and Auckland re-commenced in April 2021 after more than 20years. The flights will boost international tourism to Tasmania and provide Tasmanian businesses with greater access to international markets. Direct flights to Hobart will also assist in building the city’s reputation as a gateway to Antarctica, which is another aim of the Hobart City Deal. Projects to reduce road congestion on the southern, northern and eastern inlets are progressing under the Hobart City Deal. |
| 3.1 | 223 | Liquid Fuel Security Review | Cth | Ongoing | The Interim Report of the Liquid Fuel Security Review was published in April 2019. The Liquid Fuel Security Review was created for the primary purpose of submission to Cabinet. Consideration about whether to release the Review is a decision for Government. The Government’s fuel security package, announced through the 2021-22 Budget, takes into consideration the major changes in the fuel market following the release of the Interim Report of the Liquid Fuel Security Review. |
| 3.1 | 224 | National Airports Safeguarding Framework | All | Ongoing | Australian Government: The Australian Government continues to promote the application of the National Airports Safeguarding Framework with jurisdictions through the Nationals Airports Safeguarding Advisory Group. The focus is on embedding the Framework into land use planning consistently across state and territory planning regimes. Victoria: The Melbourne Airport Environs Safeguarding Standing Advisory Committee, established in December 2019, continues to advise the Minister for Planning on further implementation of the National Airports Safeguarding Framework through the Victoria Planning Provisions and Planning Scheme. Queensland: Protecting key freight corridors and precincts is business as usual with key ports and airports and connecting road and rail corridors are mapped and protected. Additional corridors/precincts can be added as planning is undertaken and the corridor/ precinct is approved for protection. Western Australia: The WA Government is preparing a State Planning Policy to holistically address all matters in relation to land use planning and development in the vicinity of airports throughout WA, including matters of noise and safety. This work will have regard to the National Airports Safeguarding Framework and its application to regional airports. |
| 3.1 | 225 | Other City and Regional Deals | Cwth, State Govt and local govts | Various | Australian, State and Local Governments partner in other City and Regional Deals, including Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Geelong, which do not include actions directly targeting freight. Although they include supporting actions (e.g. intersection improvements), these items will no longer be included in the annual progress report on the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy. |
| 3.1 | 226 | Deliver initiatives to improve the efficiency of urban freight | NSW | Ongoing | Transport for NSW has published the Last Mile Toolkit to assist urban planners, developers and government to give greater consideration to freight and servicing demands for new buildings and precincts as part of the planning process. It also promotes better management of freight and servicing for existing buildings. Transport for NSW is also working with industry and local councils to develop solutions to enable off-peak deliveries to occur with appropriate mitigations to maintain community amenity and safety. This item ties in with initiative 204 under Action 2.4. |
| 3.1 | 227 | 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 | 228 | Support local councils to improve the amenity of key urban centres through good planning for freight and servicing in new developments | NSW | Ongoing | Transport for NSW has published the Last Mile Toolkit to assist urban planners, developers and government to give greater consideration to freight and servicing demands for new buildings and precincts as part of the planning process. It also promotes better management of freight and servicing for existing buildings. 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 | 229 | 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 | 230 | Investigate options to amend the State Environmental Planning Policy (Three Ports) 2013 | NSW | Ongoing | The NSW Government temporarily amended the State Environmental Planning Policy (Three Ports) 2013 in November 2020 to allow greater flexibility regarding the storage of both full and empty containers. |
| 3.1 | 231 | Review and update the Development Near Rail Corridors and Busy Roads – Interim Guideline to ensure it reflects the latest evidence and practices | NSW | Ongoing | Transport for NSW will continue to work with other NSW Government agencies on any updates. |
| 3.1 | 232 | Amplification of the Southern Sydney Freight Line | NSW | 0 - 2 years | Contract has been awarded and early works have commenced. |
| 3.1 | 233 | Highway Corridor Strategies | Cth, Vic, NSW, SA | Ongoing | The Victorian Government is collaborating with key stakeholders and interest groups in the preparation of several Transport Corridor Strategies to help guide future investment requirements, including for efficient freight movement, in regional Victoria. These strategies will feed into each region’s Regional Integrated Transport Plans and the broader pipeline of investment opportunities for funding consideration by governments. Corridor planning is under way across regional Victoria, including the Murray Valley Highway, Western Highway, Princes Highway West, Goulburn Valley Highway, Calder Highway and Sunraysia Highway. |
| 3.1 | 234 | Victorian Ports Strategy | Vic | 2020 - 2022 | The Independent Review of the Victorian Ports System was completed in November 2020 and a full government response to the review was approved by the Victorian Government in June 2021 and proposed for release in the second half of 2021. As a result, the Victorian Commercial Ports Strategy will be developed over the next 12 months and is expected to be released in mid-2022. |
| 3.1 | 235 | Identify and reserve sites for new freight terminals and precincts | Vic | Ongoing | 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. 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 | 236 | Green Triangle Freight Action Plan | Vic, SA | 2009 - TBC | A steering committee has been established and meets regularly to progress the actions under the updated Plan. $40 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. See similar item under South Australia. |
| 3.1 | 237 | 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 $80 million over four years ($20 million each year) through the Mount Isa Line Incentive Scheme to incentivise more freight on rail on the Mount Isa Line and encourage a shift from road to rail. The Queensland Government has allocated $50 million to the Mount Isa Line specifically for capacity and resilience improvements over the next four years. Projects include:
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| 3.1 | 238 | Action Plan implementation arrangements | All | Ongoing | The Queensland Freight Action Plan (QFAP) was publicly released on 28 September 2020 and is made up of five Shared Commitments, two Critical Enablers, 11 Delivery Statements, 21 Actions, 47 Activities and 128 Deliverables. The QFAP forms Queensland’s plan for the implementation of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy’s National Action Plan. Queensland’s commitments to national freight agenda expressed in the National Action Plan are elements of the QFAP. |
| 3.1 | 239 | Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor | Qld, Cth | Ongong | In 2019–20, following a review of land requirements for the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor to determine the extent of required land acquisitions, the Queensland Government commenced stakeholder engagement with impacted landowners. This will be ongoing during the land acquisitions. Planning for environmental approval requirements of the infrastructure corridor is in-progress. The Australian and Queensland Governments have committed $10 million ($5 million each) to preserve the corridor. The Queensland Government has expended $600,000 to date. |
| 3.1 | 240 | Port of Brisbane Rail Access Corridor Preservation | Qld, Cth | 2022 | The findings of the 2019 Port of Brisbane Strategic Rail Access Study are being considered by the Australian and Queensland governments. Subject to the findings of the Port of Brisbane Strategic Rail Access Study, the next phase aims to progress planning to investigate detailed options and timing for a potential dedicated freight corridor to the Port of Brisbane. The project is wholly funded by the Australian Government with the Queensland Government providing an in-kind contribution. |
| 3.1 | 241 | 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, including ongoing implementation of the Perth and Peel @ 3.5 million suite of land use planning and infrastructure frameworks. |
| 3.1 | 242 | City and Regional Deals | Cth, WA, local govt | Short term | A City Deal for Perth was announced in September 2020, including several active transport elements in the Perth CBD area. These projects are jointly funded by the Australian and WA Governments and local governments. A full implementation plan is expected to be available by the end of 2021. There has been no further discussion on regional deals. |
| 3.1 | 243 | Review of Road Strategies (Roads 2030) | WA | Short term | In September 2019, the WA Government commenced its review of ROADS 2030 Regional Development Strategies. The aim of the review is to create new documents (ROADS 2040) for each regional road group (or sub-group) for identifying regional strategies for regionally significant local government roads. The WA Government has partnered with the WA Local Government Authority to deliver the review and it is expected to be completed in the latter half of 2021. |
| 3.1 | 244 | Implement State Planning Policy 5.4 (road and rail noise) | WA | Short term | Ongoing implementation of State Planning Policy 5.4 is informed 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 | 245 | Perth and Peel @3.5 million frameworks | WA | Short term | The Perth and Peel @3.5 million Strategy provides a spatial plan for metropolitan Perth, including freight corridors. Review of Planning Investigation Areas identified in the Perth and Peel @ 3.5 million suite of land use and infrastructure frameworks continues. |
| 3.1 | 246 | Outback Way – Upgrade and Seal | WA | the | The first Outback Way works package to seal the Great Central Road is well underway, with 20km of the first 40km now sealed. Earthworks have started to prepare for sealing of the next 20km section, which is due for completion in October 2021. Project development for delivery of the next work package has started. This includes a 10km section near Warburton and a 3km section near Warakuna. Construction is expected to begin in late 2021. The WA Government is also planning for delivery of a future work package near the Cosmo Newberry Community, 84km east of Laverton. |
| 3.1 | 247 | Planning reform — (Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016) | SA | Complete | The Planning and Design Code came into effect in the urban areas of South Australia from 19 March 2021. |
| 3.1 | 248 | Green Triangle Freight Action Plan | SA | Ongoing | The Implementation Monitoring Group meets regularly to progress the actions under the updated Green Triangle Freight Action Plan. The Australian Government allocated $20 million to future priorities in Victoria within the Green Triangle in the 2021-22 Budget. See similar item under Victoria. |
| 3.1 | 249 | Development of transport analytics, data analysis and application (new) | SA | Ongoing | SA has established the Transport Analytics Directorate to provide core leadership and specialist expertise on data, analytics and modelling. Data visualisation tools are in development. SA has acquired access to CSIRO’s Transport Network Strategic Investment Tool to improve level of freight data available to inform planning activities. |
| 3.1 | 250 | Restricted Access Vehicle Network Development Study (new) | SA | April - October 2021 | See Restricted Access Vehicle Network Development Study under Action 1.2. |
| 3.1 | 251 | Greater Hobart MetroPlan | Tas | 2020 - ongoing | The Greater Hobart Act 2019 provides a legislated governance framework to better align strategic land use and infrastructure planning within the Greater Hobart Area (Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart and Kingborough councils). The Greater Hobart MetroPlan will provide a high-level spatial representation to guide future growth and development in Hobart over the next 30 years, considering forecast population and dwelling growth, and the location of major new residential development, commercial centres and industrial hubs. Importantly the MetroPlan will seek to ensure that key infrastructure providers are involved in development of the MetroPlan to better align infrastructure planning with future growth. It is expected that the MetroPlan will be reviewed every three to five years and updated as required. |
| 3.1 | 252 | ACT Planning Strategy | ACT | Short term | In accordance with the ACT Planning Strategy 2018, decisions regarding the strategic location of growth, particularly for new employment and industrial areas, continue to have regard to existing freight networks and requirements. The ACT Government continues to engage across jurisdictional boundaries by providing input to the NSW Government and surrounding local councils on strategic planning matters concerning freight. |
| 3.1 | 253 | Progressing a planning and statutory environmental approval process | ACT | Short term | The ACT Government continues to progress 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 rezoning of land for new industrial and employment precincts in parts of the eastern side of Canberra, near Canberra Airport and along national freight routes. Freight requirements will be a key consideration in the future, more detailed subdivision planning of resultant precincts. |
| 3.2 | 254 | Development of Australian Transport Assessment and Planning urban freight modelling guidelines | All | 2020 - 2021 | The Australian Transport Assessment and Planning urban freight modelling guidelines were finalised in April 2021. The guidelines will ensure consistency in modelling freight demand, or heavy vehicle movements, in urban transport models across jurisdictions. They are available at https://www.atap.gov.au/tools-techniques/index. |
| 3.2 | 255 | National Urban Planning Forum | Cth | 2021 | Complete. The National Urban Freight Planning Principles were endorsed by Infrastructure and Transport Ministers on 28 May 2021. The Principles reflect outcomes from public consultation with over 60 organisations and individuals across the planning sector and freight industry. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications held three online public focus groups to seek feedback on draft Principles on 18 December 2020, 19 January 2021 and 21 January 2021. These focus groups were supported by an online survey from 24 November to 18 December 2020. |
| 3.2 | 256 | National Urban Freight Planning Principles | All | Ongoing | See item of the same name under Action 3.1. |
| 3.2 | 257 | Assist local councils to plan for freight needs | NSW | Ongoing | See item of the same name under Action 1.2. |
| 3.2 | 258 | Bay West Container Port | Vic | 2021 - TBD | The Victorian Government is progressing with the development of a Victorian Commercial Ports Strategy, due in mid-2022. The development of the Ports Strategy will incorporate next steps for planning and securing Bay West as Victoria’s second container port. This item will be reported on under Victorian Ports Strategy under Action 3.1 in future reports. |
| 3.2 | 259 | Review and enhance protection of Principal Freight Network | Vic | TBC | The Victorian Government has progressed work on the Principal Freight Network review, conducting a detailed assessment to recommend changes to the network. Preparations are being made to conduct external stakeholder consultation to enable finalisation of the changes to the updated network maps. The Victorian Government is currently reviewing options for how best to integrate proposed strengthened planning protections for the network into the Victoria Planning Provisions, as part of a wider review of the planning provisions. |
| 3.2 | 260 | Dynon Freight Precinct Master Planning | Vic | TBC | 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. The VicTrack Melbourne Market Request or Proposal is in progress and closed June 2021. Assessments will include probity management advice. Scoping for a final stage of Dynon Master planning is about to commence in consultation with VicTrack, with an extension of the agreement sought in June 2021 to enable work to continue through 2021-22. |
| 3.2 | 261 | Reviewing and updating state and territory planning policies relating to freight | All | 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. |
| 3.2 | 262 | Master Planning for Priority Ports | Qld | Ongoing | Priority port master planning will support the sustainable development of critical economic port infrastructure in a way that will balance growth, job creation, environmental values and community interests. Final port overlays for the ports of Gladstone and Townsville came into effect on 1 February 2021. The port overlays operate alongside existing planning instruments to guide future development and achieve the long-term visions of the master plans. Master planning for the priority ports of Hay Point/Mackay and Abbot Point has formally commenced with a notice of proposal issued to the port authority and local governments on 5 May 2021, in accordance with Sustainable Ports Development Act 2015. |
| 3.2 | 263 | Bundaberg State Development Area Development Scheme | Qld | Ongoing | Investigation and planning for transhipping, bulk storage and trial shipment infrastructure, and planning for access to facilities including new port access road is ongoing. Hinkler Regional Deal implementation support has been provided to Gladstone Ports Corporation and Sugar Terminals Ltd for the common use conveyor business case development and associated commercial opportunities. $1 million has been provided through Unite & Recover State funding and implementation support for common use bulk storage and trial shipment facilities involving remediation of the old Stolthaven site and case management of proposed private sector investors at Port of Bundaberg. Pacific Marine Base Bundaberg are commencing construction of Stage 1 of their proposed $35 million Marine Industry Site at the Port of Bundaberg. Stage 1 of the project will deliver a 180m long land backed wharf and berth pocket which could see the facility support sea freight transport and break bulk for renewables project cargoes. |
| 3.2 | 264 | Westport: Ports and Environs Strategy | WA | Long term | Planning is now underway to identify design options for a new container port in Kwinana and associated transport corridors that are sustainable and meet operational requirements; identify potential land requirements; and determine when and how the new infrastructure should be delivered. |
| 3.2 | 265 | 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. SPP 5.4 - Road and Rail Noise has been in operation since September 2019, and has objectives that include:
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| 3.2 | 266 | Ports Master Plan | WA | Short term | The details of Port Master Plans for WA’s five Port Authorities are as follows:
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| 3.2 | 267 | Review of Perth inner city freight movements | WA | Medium term | The Phase 2 report of the Perth Greater CBD Transport Plan is currently being finalised and is expected to be provided to the WA Minister for Transport and released later in 2021. Development of the Plan included the examination of inner-city freight movements, including a study and survey conducted by the City of Perth. Proposed projects to support urban freight that will be implemented between 2021 and 2024 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. Detailed scoping of these projects is currently taking place. |
| 3.2 | 268 | Rolling 10 Year Tasmanian Infrastructure Pipeline | Tas | 2020 - 2030 | The pipeline maps out planned infrastructure development for the next decade, with projects totalling an estimated $17.4 billion – an estimated $3.1 billion of these are expected to be delivered between 2020 and 2022, including an Australian Government investment of $401 million in roads and bridges for 2020-21 alone. The Pipeline was released in February 2021 and will now move to six-monthly updates. |
| 3.2 | 269 | Release draft 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy for consultation | Tas | 2019 - 2049 | As part of the Tasmanian Government’s long-term planning for Tasmania’s future, a draft 30-year Infrastructure Strategy was released in 2019 for consultation. Following this, Tasmania will now develop a framework to inform the Government’s infrastructure investment decisions, given their large cost and long-term nature. The final Strategy will be informed by work done by Infrastructure Australia and will help unlock further economic development in the State. |
| 3.2 | 270 | Tasmanian Planning Policies | Tas | 2021 - 2022 | The Tasmanian Planning Policies will acknowledge the importance of protecting the capacity, safety and efficiency of transport networks and assets. The policies will include specific strategies that seek to protect existing and future strategic transport infrastructure corridors and assets from encroachment by incompatible land use and development. |
| 3.2 | 271 | Review of Regional Land Use Strategies | Tas | 2021 – 2023 | Protection of freight corridors and assets are considered in each of the three Regional Land Use Strategies in Tasmania. A future review of these strategies will form part of a broader reform of the Tasmanian planning system. |
| 3.2 | 272 | Tasmanian Planning Scheme | Tas | 2019 - 2022 | The Tasmanian Planning Scheme was developed in conjunction with key industry stakeholders to ensure appropriate consideration was afforded to the industrial and transport sectors. Consequently, key protections such as attenuation and buffer areas are in place along key transport networks and other assets. |
| 3.2 | 273 | Canberra Region Joint Organisation’s (CRJO) Transport and Freight Infrastructure Prospectus | ACT | Ongoing | The ACT continues to participate as an Associate Member in the 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. |
| 3.2 | 274 | 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 support growth and diversification in the Canberra Region economy, including consideration of issues such as 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. |
| 3.3 | 275 | Funding to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to undertake road access improvements for heavy vehicles — $20.1 million | Cth | 2019 - 2024 | The 2019-20 Budget allocated $8 million over two years to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to fund the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP) which is undertaking engineering assessments for local government owned road network infrastructure, and to build an asset collection database. At 30 June 2021, almost 300 local government assets have been assessed across more than 60 local government areas as part of the SLGAAP. In addition to asset assessments, the project has delivered education and awareness to local governments and developed tools to support both local governments and heavy vehicle operators. In the 2021-22 Budget, the Australian Government has allocated a further $12.1m over three years (2021–2024) to continue the SLGAAP. |
| 3.3 | 276 | Encourage use of the Restricted Access Vehicle Route Assessment Tool | All | Ongoing | The Restricted Access Vehicle Route Assessment Tool has been developed by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and the Australian Road Research Board. It is designed as an expert tool for local government practitioners and is intended to allow heavy vehicle route assessments to be completed in line with Performance-Based Standards route classification guidelines. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator actively promotes the use of the tool and it is free for local governments from participating jurisdictions. Victoria 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. Queensland Queensland has recently undertaken technical heavy vehicle route assessment training in Rockhampton, Townsville and Roma. Local government engineers were present at these sessions, except where COVID-19 restrictions limited participation. |
| 3.3 | 277 | Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme | Cth | Ongoing | On 11 May 2021, the Australian Government announced the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) was being extended to provide assistance for eligible imported goods, which are shipped to Tasmania via a mainland port and where there is no Australian equivalent good. Extending TFES assistance to the shipment of eligible imported goods further reduces the additional transports costs incurred by Tasmanian businesses that ship goods across Bass Strait, in the absence of the road and rail options available on the mainland. Claimants will be able to lodge their TFES imported goods claim online from 1 October 2021, for eligible imported goods shipped from the mainland to Tasmania on or after 1 July 2021. |
| 3.3 | 278 | A national framework for high productivity vehicles | Cth | Ongoing | Led by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), a working group has been established to share information regarding Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles and to encourage the development of nationally consistent PBS vehicle network access/investment plans. Work is progressing and, on 1 August 2020, the NHVR issued the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2020 (No. 2), which expands the road network available to a broader range of road trains. The NHVR has partnered with state and territory transport agencies to deliver the national notices, including the development of a PBS Notice for Tier 1 PBS Vehicles. This enables lower-risk PBS vehicles that meet the PBS Tier 1 bridge formulae to access approved networks without a permit, providing access under notice for a more diverse range of PBS vehicles. |
| 3.3 | 279 | National Harmonisation Program | Cth | Ongoing | The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) 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 NHVR is continuing the National Harmonisation Program and has commenced a review of the National Grain Harvest Management and National Livestock Loading Schemes. In 2020, the NHVR established a National Heavy Vehicle Notice Advisory Group 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 | 280 | Delegations project | Cth | Completed | The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) coordinates a range of access applications from start to finish, liaising directly with industry and road managers to manage applications and issue permits. While the NHVR processes all Class 2 and Class 3 permit applications, it is assisted by state and territory governments in processing some Class 1 permit applications made under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. The National Operational Strategy and Policy Advisory Group has endorsed the return of all access permit delegations and processing back to the NHVR. The NHVR Return of Delegations Project officially concluded on 30 June 2020 and the NHVR now processes all heavy vehicle road access applications and issues permits in all participating states and territories. |
| 3.3 | 281 | Reforming the Performance-Based Standards scheme | Cth | Ongoing | The National Transport Commission is currently reviewing the Heavy Vehicle National Law, which includes 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 (PBS) scheme. The revised Frontal Swing Standard was implemented in April 2020 and the Stability Under Braking (DSUB) standard was endorsed by Infrastructure and Transport Ministers in May 2021. DSUB implementation will commence from 2021-2022.These updated standards will improve safety and productivity. In May 2021, Infrastructure and Transport Ministers also approved introducing a Generic Tyre Approach within the PBS Scheme. The NHVR will continue to review the administrative, regulatory, and procedural and policy aspects of the PBS scheme to determine how it can ensure the scheme is best positioned to support the next generation of innovative vehicles and further promote industry uptake. |
| 3.3 | 282 | Inland Rail intermodal terminals planning | Cth, Vic, NSW, Qld | 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. To date a preliminary evaluation of several possible South East Queensland sites against Inland Rail’s service requirements has taken place. This investigation remains ongoing with a detailed business case for a preferred site to be provided by June 2022. Ten of the 35 successful project proposals under the Australian Government’s Interface Improvement Program are based in Queensland. Specialist advisors from Ernst and Young (EY) have been engaged by the Australian Government to review the proposals and to recommend whether they should proceed for further development as feasibility studies and strategic business cases. Queensland is assisting EY with information and data to support the evaluation of the proposals. The Australian and Victorian governments are currently undertaking further work considering intermodal terminal requirements in Melbourne including to support Inland Rail. See Western Interstate Freight Terminal and Development of Inland Rail terminals in Melbourne and Brisbane under Action 1.1 and the Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program under Action 1.2. |
| 3.3 | 283 | Build local government road network asset management and maintenance capability | Cth | This item will be reported on under Funding to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to undertake road access improvements for heavy vehicles under Action 3.3. | |
| 3.3 | 284 | Streamline the heavy vehicle road access approval process | All | Ongoing | The outcomes of the Oversize Overmass (OSOM) Vehicle Access Arrangements Review outlined 38 recommendations that the OSOM Working Group progressed. In January 2021, the Working Group agreed that 31 of the 38 recommendations have been completed. It was also agreed that the remaining seven recommendations would be progressed through the National Transport Commissions proposed work plan for the Heavy Vehicle National Law review.A key outcome of the OSOM review was a more streamlined access approval process that encourages the development of pre-approvals and notices to replace permits, where possible, providing industry with greater efficiency and certainty, through reducing permit issue timeframes or removing permit requirements respectively. In August 2020, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) released its Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan (the Plan) 2020-2025. One objective of the Plan is to partner with local government to build capability. This objective aims to deliver a program of online technical training sessions to improve local government knowledge and understanding of heavy vehicle mass and dimension, performance, and route assessment.Through the first round of the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (see Funding to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to undertake road access improvements for heavy vehicles, above), the NHVR has also developed a Local Government Asset Assessment Toolkit that is supporting road managers by standardising an approach to heavy vehicle assessments. The NHVR engagement hub includes a comprehensive interactive mapping tool that allows road managers and industry across Australia to identify bridges and culverts with restricted heavy vehicle access. Two further initiatives the NHVR has partnered with the Australian Government, state and territory transport agencies and Austroads to provide road managers with information and guidelines to improve understanding of heavy vehicles and road freight include:
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| 3.3 | 285 | Domestic Border Controls – Freight Movements Protocol | All | 2020 | The Freight Movement Protocol and Code were agreed by National Cabinet in mid-2020. They provide a consistent national framework for cross-border land freight movements, including for heavy vehicle drivers and rail crew crossing domestic borders. The Protocol and Code have supported the movement of freight during border closures and lockdowns throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. On 23 July 2021, the National Cabinet agreed Infrastructure and Transport Ministers work with the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee to develop an updated nationally consistent testing regime for freight workers under the Code in light of recent developments with COVID-19. |
| 3.3 | 286 | Road Vehicle Standards legislation implementation | Cth | Complete | See Road vehicle standards regulation reform under Action 3.4. |
| 3.3 | 287 | Options evaluation for a National Heavy Vehicle Access Assessment System (new) | All, Austroads | TBD | Building on a prior Scoping Study (Publication no: AP-R634-20 – see https://austroads.com.au/publications) delivered in September 2020, this Austroads project is to confirm the rationale, define and evaluate options for a National Heavy Vehicle Access Assessment System that improves on network access transparency and certainty for PBS, other heavy vehicles, and oversize/overmass vehicle classes. |
| 3.3 | 288 | Fund infrastructure assessment and upgrades to increase heavy vehicle road access | NSW | Short term | See initiative of the same name under Action 1.2. |
| 3.3 | 289 | Progressing freight and export opportunities identified in the economic analysis of direct international air-freight options and Future Transport 2056 | NSW; ACT | The NSW Government has undertaken a Registration of Interest (ROI) process seeking nominations for potential enabling infrastructure projects that would improve supply chains to domestic and export markets. The ROI process closed in March 2021. | |
| 3.3 | 290 | Implementation of the Independent Review of Oversize Over mass Access Arrangements recommendations | All | 2020 - 2021 | Queensland has successfully contributed to the recent implementation and gazettal of the National Long Road Train Prime Mover Notice. Queensland is currently developing input to the Special Purpose Vehicle Notice, Special Purpose Vehicle Combination Notice and Tier 1 and Tier 3 PBS Notices. |
| 3.3 | 291 | Fund infrastructure assessment and upgrades to increase heavy vehicle road access | All | Ongoing | The Queensland Government’s Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme ($70 million) is delivered as an annual grant allocation to Regional Roads and Transport Groups. |
| 3.3 | 292 | Improve training and education programs for local road managers | All | Ongoing | Queensland has recently undertaken technical heavy vehicle route assessment training in Rockhampton, Townsville and Roma. Local government engineers were present at these sessions, except where COVID-19 restrictions limited participation. |
| 3.3 | 293 | Improvement management and use of loading zones in key urban centres | All | Short term | The 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 | 294 | Investigate scheduling and operating procedures to improve rail freight access and flows | All | 2021 | A long-term Rail Network Strategy is being prepared to inform future rail planning and coordination, in addition to sequencing of network improvements over the long-term. |
| 3.3 | 295 | South East Queensland Urban Freight Strategy | Qld | Ongoing | The South East Queensland Regional Transport Plan 2021 identifies several actions to ensure goods and services move efficiently and reliably along supply chains to and between key economic areas and markets. These actions include:
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| 3.3 | 296 | Independent review of Oversize Overmass Access Arrangements Recommendations | WA | 2020 - 2021 | Complete. The Oversize Overmass Working Group has completed its tenure and has been wound up by the Australian Government. Three packages of work have been defined based on the Oversize Over Mass review recommendations:
See Streamline the heavy vehicle road access approval process under Action 3.3 for more information. |
| 3.3 | 297 | Fund infrastructure assessment and upgrades to increase heavy vehicle road access | WA | Short term | WA continues to participate in national forums and undertake infrastructure assessments to upgrade Restricted Access Vehicles access. |
| 3.3 | 298 | Improve training and education programs for local road managers regarding restricted access vehicle permit processes | WA | Short term | WA continues to participate in national training and education forums for local road managers. In 2020-21 WA reinvigorated its state-wide Heavy Vehicle workshops and information sessions. These sessions provide local road managers and industry an opportunity to meet face to face with WA heavy vehicle staff and discuss local heavy vehicle issues including the provision of training and education around heavy vehicle access. |
| 3.3 | 299 | Improve management and use of loading ones 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 | 300 | Investigate scheduling and operating procedures to improve rail freight access and flows | WA | Short term | WA will continue to review requests for additional or ad-hoc train pathways and action them as capacity permits. WA has provided input to the Swan River Crossing project to ensure that rail capacity into Fremantle port is not reduced due to the replacement of the existing river crossings at Fremantle. Arc Infrastructure is implementing the Enhanced Network Control Program, which 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. |
| 3.3 | 301 | 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 which inform SA infrastructure investment priorities to support the achievement of State economic growth targets. |
| 3.3 | 302 | 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. Planning work is continuing to ensure that increased workforce movement in the area does not adversely impact bulk and container supply chains. |
| 3.3 | 303 | Time Sensitive Freight – Understanding Tasmania’s Market | Tas | Ongoing | The Tasmanian Government is undertaking a study to 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 | 304 | Maintaining National Freight Routes | ACT, NHVR | Ongoing | Planning and maintaining nationally significant freight routes in the ACT is ongoing and 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, Performance-Based Standards Level 1 and Level 2, 14.5 tonne buses, over dimension vehicles). |
| 3.3 | 305 | Progressing freight and export opportunities identified in the economic analysis of direct international air-freight options and the NSW Future Transport 2056 | ACT, NSW | Ongoing | Canberra Airport released their 2020 Master Plan in early 2020, with a focus on freight and air freight opportunities including more direct international flights, a new runway, and an increased freight capacity. As initial air freight in Canberra has been exclusively transported on commercial passenger flights, this has meant that flight restrictions due to COVID-19 has limited implementation during 2020-21. |
| 3.3 | 306 | Work with Canberra Airport, Qatar Airways, local businesses and councils | ACT | Ongoing | The ACT Government continues to work closely with NSW, the Canberra Region Joint Organisation, PAK Fresh Handling, Menzies Aviation and the Canberra Airport to deliver a region roadshow and to profile the growing capability and capacity of moving regional produce to international markets through Canberra.
COVID has limited implementation during 2020-21. |
| 3.3 | 307 | Priorities for Australia’s Biosecurity System - $313 million | Cth | 2018 - 2023 | Much of this investment is ongoing and measures have been embedded into the Australian Government’s enhanced biosecurity capability. This is being supported by a $400 million package of biosecurity measures, announced in the 2021-22 Budget, including a focus on expanding offshore assurance arrangements and overseas supply integration, improved regulatory tools and information, and rolling out advancements in detection technologies and business practice innovations. |
| 3.4 | 308 | Air Cargo Security Reforms | Cth | 2022 | Australia’s air cargo security regulatory framework continues to be strengthened to ensure that the air cargo supply chain is secure from acts of unlawful interference. All export air cargo, and the vast majority of domestic air cargo, is now subject to piece-level examination. Examination at additional domestic airports will commence from 1 July 2022. |
| 3.4 | 309 | Simplified Trade System (STS) (new) NB: replaces the Trade Modernisation Agenda | Cth | 2024 | In 2020–21, the Australian Border Force, in partnership with key border agencies, delivered the first phase of the Simplified Trade System (STS) agenda which led to the establishment of a whole of government STS Implementation Taskforce in the Trade Portfolio. The Taskforce, announced in the 2021–22 Budget, will lead the STS reform agenda across government to create a simpler, more efficient and digitised trading system which delivers benefits for Australian businesses and increases our international competitiveness and economic resilience. The STS Implementation Taskforce has superseded the Australian Border Force-led Trade Single Window Taskforce, under which the trade modernisation agenda now falls. |
| 3.4 | 310 | Regulatory reforms to prepare for deployment of automated vehicles | All | 2020 - 2026 | In 2020-21, Infrastructure and Transport Ministers agreed to the roadmap and timelines for implementing a national safety framework for automated vehicles (AVs), with the aim to have the required legislation drafted by the end of 2023 and both legislation and a regulator in place by 2026, allowing pathways for commercial deployment of AVs on the road. Queensland Queensland’s input to the Heavy Vehicle National Law is continuing along previous lines to foster new technologies. Western Australia The WA government provided regular input through 2020-21 to discussions and papers from the National Transport Commission on the proposed in-service safety law for AVs, regulatory framework for AVs and AV trial guidelines, and to the Australian Government on required Australian Design Rules for AVs. An agreement on the legislative approach, the scope of an intergovernmental agreement, progress on related Austroads projects, an assessment on readiness for commercial deployment of AVs and a review of existing enforcement powers are expected to be delivered in 2021-22. AV trials continue through existing protocols, with 2020-21 seeing a regional AV shuttle trial in Geraldton and the launch of an automated on-campus shuttle with software completely developed by students at the University of Western Australia. DoT continues to assist proponents in moving potential trials from feasibility to approval. |
| 3.4 | 311 | Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Systems of National Significance | Cth | 2021 - TBD | The Australian Government is committed to protecting the essential services all Australians rely on. To achieve this, the Department of Home Affairs is progressing the Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Systems of National Significance reforms. The Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 (SLA Bill) was introduced into Parliament on 10 December 2020. The SLA Bill seeks to amend the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 by expanding its coverage from four sectors (electricity, gas, water and ports) to the following eleven critical infrastructure sectors:
The Government will also introduce positive security obligations requiring industry to consider the specific risks that impact on their operating environment and provide risk mitigation measures that ensure the continued operation of critical infrastructure assets. These will be progressed in phase two of the reforms, after further consultation with industry. While the SLA Bill provides definitions for asset classes across the 11 sectors, rules may be made to further define some of the asset classes. The Department of Home Affairs released a Critical Infrastructure Asset Definition Rules paper in April 2021 and engaged with the transport sector, including through roundtable discussions, to finalise definitions for critical freight infrastructure assets and critical freight services assets. The Department will provide the draft rules to the Minister for Home Affairs for their consideration. To reduce regulatory burden and build on existing frameworks, the Australian Government is also undertaking reforms to the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 and the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 (the Acts) to implement an enhanced critical infrastructure regulatory framework for the aviation and maritime transport sectors. This will transition the Acts from a focus on unlawful interference (terrorism) to an ‘all hazards’ framework. This will support members of the aviation and maritime transport sector in protecting their critical operations from a broader range of risks through already established frameworks. The proposed amendments to the Acts are captured in the Transport Security Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2021 (Transport Security Bill). It is anticipated that the Transport Security Bill will be released for exposure in late 2021. |
| 3.4 | 312 | Reform of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) | Cth | Ongoing | The second ten-yearly independent review of the EPBC Act was completed in October 2020 and released on 28 January 2021. It is available at www.epbcactreview.environment.gov.au. The Australian Government is committed to consulting stakeholders on the recommendations of the review and undertaking a staged program of reforms informed by the EPBC Act Review. In June 2021, the Minister for the Environment released ‘A pathway for reforming national environmental law’ and a ‘Proposed timeline for EPBC Act reforms’ that together outline the reforms underway, the next steps and when the Government will engage with stakeholders. In the first stage of reform, the focus is delivering the National Cabinet commitment to single touch environmental approvals with states and territories underpinned by new National Environmental Standards with strong assurance. These reforms are aligned with the key findings of the review’s Final Report. Amendments to the EPBC Act are currently before the Parliament to deliver these reforms. |
| 3.4 | 313 | Streamlining environmental assessments | All | Ongoing | 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 WA 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 will deliver the new services by June 2022. |
| 3.4 | 314 | Review of national transport reforms | All | 2019 - 2020 | Complete. The Productivity Commission released its final report on National Transport Regulatory Reform on 1 October 2020. The report was commissioned by the Australian Government in 2019 to assess the economic impact of reforms agreed by the Council of Australian Governments in 2008-09. The Government is currently considering all recommendations within the report and undertaking consultation with regulators, jurisdictions and industry stakeholders to prepare a response. |
| 3.4 | 315 | Review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law | All | 2018 - 2023 | The National Transport Commission (NTC) is leading the Heavy Vehicle National Law Review. On 28 May 2021, Infrastructure and Transport Minsters endorsed the NTC’s program of work that will significantly progress final legislation to be presented to Minsters in mid-2023. The NTC will deliver more detailed advice to Ministers over the next 12 months on key areas of reform such as fatigue management, heavy vehicle access, increased use of higher productivity vehicles, assurance schemes, duties and driver health. Ministers agreed that options developed should be ambitious to realise productivity and safety benefits for industry and the economy more broadly. |
| 3.4 | 316 | Review of regulatory telematics | Cth | Ongoing | The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has partnered with state and territory transport agencies to progress a consistent approach to the use of technology to provide more flexible solutions that increase access and productivity. For example, the NHVR has been working with Transport for NSW to deliver the NSW Class 3 Livestock Transportation Livestock Transportation Exemption Notice 2021 (No.3). This Notice allows industry to use the lower cost and lower assurance Telematics Monitoring Application, instead of the previous Intelligence Access Program, and at the same time providing greater access and productivity benefits to the livestock industry. The NHVR is also progressing forums such as the National Heavy Vehicle Access Policy Working Group, National Telematics Framework Working Group and National Notice Advisory Group which help develop policies and share information and solutions to provide road managers with a better understanding of access-related technologies and best-practice approaches to the application of telematics for access and productivity improvement reasons. The NHVR is also progressing telematics related activities as part of the Safety and Compliance Regulatory Platform and NHVR intelligence capabilities and data analytics. Since the 2018 completion and approval of NHVR’s Electronic Work Diary standards, six technology companies have formally submitted applications regarding their devices and five have now been approved. 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 | 317 | Regulating the maritime industry | Cth | Ongoing | Part X of the Australian Government’s Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Part X) 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 Competition and Consumer Commission is developing a class exemption for liner shipping in consultation with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and the shipping industry to provide more efficient and effective competition controls for container shipping. The class exemption for liner shipping process has been paused by COVID-19 and recent decisions of the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation. Any decision to repeal Part X and to introduce a class exemption for liner shipping is a matter for Government. |
| 3.4 | 318 | Coastal trading reform | Cth | Ongoing | Consultation on coastal trading reform is continuing. Consultation efforts resumed in September 2020 after delays through much of 2020 due to COVID-19. Consultation efforts have been initially focused on potential cargo reforms, with passenger reforms to be considered at a later date. On 21 September 2020, the Australian Government released a discussion paper proposing changes to the coastal trading framework for cargo vessels, with 44 submissions received from a broad range of stakeholders. Since the release of the discussion paper, the Australian Government has continued to engage with key stakeholders to address issues raised throughout the consultation process. In June 2021, the Special Recreational Vessels Act 2019 was amended to extend the repeal date of this Act by a further two years until 30 June 2023, to allow more time for a permanent regulatory solution to be developed. |
| 3.4 | 319 | Road vehicle standards regulation reform | Cth | Complete | Over 2020-21 a range of approval types were opened for applications in order to allow industry to prepare for the full commencement of the Road Vehicle Standard Act 2018 and associated legislation on 1 July 2021. This include applications for: Testing Facility Approvals; Component Type Approvals; Approved Vehicle Verifiers; and entries onto the register of Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles. As the transition period will commence on 1 July 2021, this item has been marked ‘complete’. |
| 3.4 | 320 | Audit of existing freight and supply chain regulation and reviews to identify areas of focus for future regulatory reform | Cth | Closed | This project has been superseded by the Productivity Commission’s National Transport Regulatory Reform Inquiry and the upcoming Australian Government response. |
| 3.4 | 321 | National regulatory framework for maritime regulation and service delivery — $11 million | Cth | 2018 - 2028 | On 23 October 2020, the Australian Government announced it is providing an additional $11 million to the national system for domestic commercial vessels. As domestic commercial vessels are largely non-freight related, this item will no longer be included in the annual progress report on the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy. |
| 3.4 | 322 | Regulatory activity regarding drones | Cth | 2021 - 2024 | The National Emerging Aviation Technologies Policy statement was released in May 2021. The policy statement articulates the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting the continued development of the sector and outlines the approach to managing and enabling this evolving market. Consultation with industry and government stakeholders has commenced to progress the key initiatives outlined in the policy statement. |
| 3.4 | 323 | Development and implementation of maritime safety and marine environment protection regulation | Cth | Ongoing | Australia has obligations under various international treaties and conventions on maritime safety and marine environment protection which directly affect the maritime freight sector. In June 2021, the International Maritime Organization adopted a global mandatory technical efficiency standard for international ships above 400 gross tonnage and an operational efficiency improvement measure for ships above 5000 gross tonnage for implementation from 2023. As a signatory to the International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, the Australian Government will implement these mandatory measures in relevant domestic legislation to enforce compliance from 2023. The Government continues to lead Australia’s engagement in the International Maritime Organization to revise long-term ambitions and develop future measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping. As the maritime regulator, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority also continues to deliver its program of work to review, consult on, and update Marine Orders and national standards to improve maritime safety and environmental outcomes, which directly impact the maritime freight sector. |
| 3.4 | 324 | Review regulations relating to airports | Cth | Ongoing | 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. The Government has identified opportunities to work in partnership with airport lessee companies and other relevant stakeholders to revise current practices and ensure best practice regulation of airports. The Government will continue to work closely with the sector throughout the process of thematic review. |
| 3.4 | 325 | National Services Transition Program | Cth, NSW, Vic, SA, Qld, Tas, ACT | Complete | The Strategic Transition Assurance Review has been completed. SA, Tasmania, the ACT and Victoria have transitioned services to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, NSW has now passed legislation and is progressing its transition, and due diligence is under way to initiate the transition process for Queensland. |
| 3.4 | 326 | Review dangerous goods transport | NSW | 0 - 2 years | Development of a dangerous goods network policy is in progress, and will identify strategic priorities and actions to support and guide network decisions on the movement of dangerous goods. |
| 3.4 | 327 | 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 transfer of heavy vehicle regulatory services to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is currently in progress. The transition is expected to occur by mid-2022. |
| 3.4 | 328 | 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 | 329 | 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 | 330 | Legislative reform to ensure national harmonisation of laws | All | Ongoing | Queensland interacts positively and pro-actively with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and other jurisdictions to foster safe, sustainable and productive outcomes for the road freight industry. |
| 3.4 | 331 | 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 aimed at improving the accreditation process. Throughout 2020-21, WA has continued to work with the stakeholder reference group to explore the recommendations. To date, 12 recommendations have been addressed with a further five recommendations currently in hand. |
| 3.4 | 332 | Legislative reform to ensure national harmonisation of laws | WA | Medium term | WA 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 | 333 | Infrastructure Corridors Initiative | SA | TBD | This Study will examine the barriers and opportunities for key industry, mineral/resources and agribusiness/primary production sectors, and provide that will support the following intentions:
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| 3.4 | 334 | 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. |
| 3.4 | 335 | Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) | NTC, jurisdictions | Short term | The ACT applied all chapters of the HVNL on 1 July 2019 and transitioned services to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator at the same time. The ACT has also applied all HVNL and regulation amendments scheduled for commencement. The ACT continues to engage in the review of the HVNL through the arrangements agreed by Ministers, following consideration of the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement, under which the National Transport Commission will lead a number of projects and work streams to develop a Decision Regulation Impact Statement to be considered by Ministers. |
| 4.1 | 336 | Transport Network Strategic Investment Tool (TraNSIT) Supply Chain Benchmarking Dashboard | Cth | Ongoing | Phase 1 of the Supply Chain Benchmarking Dashboard has been complete and will be released on the National Freight Data Hub later in 2021. The dashboard, which is based on the TraNSIT freight mapping for 140 commodities, allows users to interactively compare freight costs across commodities and regions for each stage of the supply chain. This allows identification of potential inefficiencies and bottlenecks that can be used to inform infrastructure investment. |
| 4.1 | 337 | National Freight Data Hub — $5.2 million | Cth | 2019 - 2025 | In the 2021-22 Budget, the Australian Government committed $16.5 million over four years to establish the National Freight Data Hub. This builds on the $5.2 million provided in the 2019-20 Budget to settle the design of the Hub. The Hub will be a federated data sharing network that has an initial focus on governments providing better access to their data; facilitates data exchange, including by establishing data standards; and promotes leadership and innovation. Over the last two years, extensive consultations have been undertaken with industry and other stakeholders to establish the data priorities for the Hub and the technology, governance and funding arrangements. As well, a prototype website has been developed to demonstrate the value of better access to freight data. The prototype Hub website was launched in May 2021. It includes:
Over the next four years, the Hub will build on and improve the prototype website with additional datasets and visualisations across all freight modes and more supply chains. |
| 4.1 | 338 | Freight Data Exchange Pilot — $3.3 million | Cth | 2019 - 2023 | The Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics has contracted services to undertake a survey of freight supply chain information management systems in use across Australian freight and related industries. The work is due to commence in late June 2021 and be completed by end March 2022. The Freight Data Exchange team has liaised with a range of industry supply chain operators, including participants in selected horticultural supply chains and health-care product supply chains, with a view to establishing additional (real-time) freight data exchange case studies. No additional case studies have yet been agreed. The Australian Bureau of Statistics completed and released Survey of Motor Vehicle Use estimates of freight (and passenger) vehicle use for the 12 months ended 30 June 2020, on 23 December 2020. |
| 4.1 | 339 | International benchmarking of key import and export supply chains | Cth | 2020 - 2021 | Since the 2019 pilot, continued progress on developing and providing international benchmarking capability has included:
Work is underway to develop the next phase of the benchmarking project, which will be included in the Commonwealth implementation plan. For more information and to access the benchmarking resources, see: datahub.freightaustralia.gov.au/ projects/supply-chain. |
| 4.1 | 340 | Port of Brisbane Rail Access Study | Cth, Qld | 2018 - 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 a market sounding process and is expected to be completed by late 2022. |
| 4.1 | 341 | Inland Rail Supply Chain Mapping Study | Cth | 2018 - 2021 | The Inland Rail Supply Chain Mapping Project, using the CSIRO’s Transport Network Strategic Investment Tool (TraNSIT), provides the underlying data to assist industrial enterprises to improve the competitiveness of their supply chains. For this project, TraNSIT analysed more than 175,000 annual transport movements of 140 commodities associated with nearly 5,000 industrial enterprises and 11,000 supply chains. The project results provide evidence to inform future public or private complementary investments or operational changes to leverage the benefits of Inland Rail. Early results of the project were released 28 May 2021 and show that an average potential transport cost reduction of 39 per cent can be achieved by shifting freight from road to Inland Rail for part of a supply chain journey. Freight travelling the full length of Inland Rail between Melbourne and Brisbane could achieve a higher transport cost reduction of 44 per cent. The results of the project indicate that the benefits from Inland Rail will be widespread, with industrial enterprises as far as Townsville, Perth and Launceston potentially benefiting from its use. Final reporting of the reference case modelling of the potential transport cost reductions from Inland Rail is expected by October 2021. |
| 4.1 | 342 | 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 of key freight flows and supply chains and their comparative performance. Due to the impacts of COVID-19, final reporting of Phase 2 results is expected by the first quarter 2022. |
| 4.1 | 343 | Research on road operator data for use by connected and automated vehicles | All, Austroads | TBD | Austroads will commence a project in 2021-22 entitled Connected vehicle and road agency data exchange. The project is expected to have a delivery time of three years and will investigate data exchange between vehicles and road managers. Another Austroads project, Road authority data for connected and automated vehicles, 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 Systems providers. This work is complementary to the recent National Transport Commission project looking at priority use cases and possible frameworks for exchanging data. This work is intended to position Australia so that data flowing to and from emerging vehicle technologies is nationally consistent and fits with developing international standards where necessary. This is essential in preparing for emerging vehicle technologies (including in the context of heavy vehicles) and reducing the barriers to manufacturers bringing these technologies into Australia. |
| 4.1 | 344 | Office of Supply Chain Resilience (OSCR) | Cth | Ongoing | In the 2021-22 Budget, the Australian Government announced it will establish an Office of Supply Chain Resilience from 1 July 2021 to monitor critical supply chains and coordinate whole-of-government responses to improve ongoing access to critical goods and services. |
| 4.1 | 345 | Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (new) | Cth | 2020-21 - 2023-24 | A first tranche of detailed analysis was completed in April 2021. The analysis involved extensive collaboration with industry and informed the development of the Sovereign Manufacturing Capability Plan and Supply Chain Resilience Initiative grant guidelines. A second tranche of analysis into semi-conductors, water treatment chemicals and telecommunications equipment will be completed in October 2021. Matched grants of between $50,000 and $2 million are available for businesses which can help address supply chain vulnerabilities identified as product categories of focus in a Sovereign Manufacturing Capability Plan. |
| 4.1 | 346 | 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 | 347 | 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 | 348 | Investigate productivity boosting technologies for Port Botany | NSW | 5 – 10 years | Transport for NSW has commenced development of a Port Efficiency Strategy, with an initial focus on Port Botany that will identify initiatives. |
| 4.1 | 349 | Queensland Freight Model | Qld | Ongoing - 2024 | The Queensland Freight Model was constructed to assist in understanding the drivers of heavy vehicle traffic and the movement of commodities across Queensland. The model uses research-based supply chain data regarding commodity movements for Queensland’s largest industries, economic growth forecasts, vehicle operating costs, and a heavy vehicle network to model movement of commodities on road. The model has recently undergone its second major development iteration and forms part of an on-going freight, goods and services modelling program of work. Potential applications for the model include regional transport planning, heavy vehicle planning, investment prioritisation, road asset management, and more. The model can be interrogated to report on aggregate statistics such as total tonne kilometres travelled or vehicle operating costs as well as very detailed select link analyses to better understand the movement of types of commodities along specific parts of the network. |
| 4.1 | 350 | Development of an open data portal | WA | Short term | The Data WA portal continues to grow. It currently provides over 2,300 discoverable datasets compared to 1,900 datasets last year. An improvement project is underway to make it easier to discover authoritative data sources and access a wider range of data. This includes more advanced search capability and improved tools. A new look portal was launched May 2021 with easier navigation and emphasis on data collaboration through the community forum and public sector community (the Western Australian Land Information System (WALIS) community) working group pages. One WALIS project led by WA is the development of a business case for WA routable transport network digital infrastructure to service multiple public sector agencies. |
| 4.1 | 351 | Compliance Automation Project | WA | Short term | WA continues to participate in national forums relating to the delivery of the Compliance Automation System. The development of the WA Heavy Vehicle Compliance Automation System is on track for delivery in October 2021. |
| 4.1 | 352 | Commercial Vehicle Survey | WA | Short term | The commercial vehicle survey commenced in February 2021 and data collection is on track to be completed by September 2021, subject to COVID-19 restrictions. The final data set is anticipated to be delivered by March 2022. |
| 4.1 | 353 | Unified Digital Commercial Movements Platform (UDCMP) Project (new) | WA, Freight and Logistics Council of WA, City of Canning | December 2021 | This proof of concept project is investigating the viability of a digital platform that can handle and analyse real time and historical freight vehicle data, while facilitating predictive analytics capability to determine optimal daily freight routes between the City of Canning local government area and the Fremantle Inner Harbour. Key project milestones were achieved in 2020-21, including securing proof of concept funding, engaging project developer, confirming data source partners and IT hosting and tenancy agreement. |
| 4.1 | 354 | FreightSync Roadmap: Linking Road Freight Data and Traffic Management Systems in Real Time for Mutual Benefit (new) | Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre led by Curtin University, WA | 2020 - 2021 | This proof of concept aims to demonstrate the mutual benefits for government and the freight sector to link road freight data and traffic management systems in real time, in pursuit of enhanced freight operations and improved transport network management outcomes. Two reports were completed in 2020-21:
The project is now developing a pilot program with WA based partners including Main Roads WA, the Department of Transport, the Fremantle Ports Authority and a property developer. |
| 4.1 | 355 | Development of transport analytics, data analysis and application (new) | SA | Ongoing | See Development of transport analytics, data analysis and application under Action 3.1. |
| 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 Survey is unique in focusing on whole of supply chain data and information, capturing commodity type, volume, transport mode, route, packaging and end market. The survey has proven valuable in understanding how major freight supply chains across Tasmania operate. Data is collected direct from companies. The 2020 Survey was delayed due to the impacts of COVID-19, however the Government is preparing to undertake a survey based on 2021-22 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 Federal Highway as part of the National Safety Camera Network. The ACT has also sought funding, albeit unsuccessful, to install another camera on Barton Highway, through the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative program, to improve heavy vehicle monitoring and to enable the ACT Government and more widely the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to improve on-road compliance and safety. Barton Highway is a Tier 1 National Freight Route connecting the ACT with NSW and Victoria and provides vital linkages for not only the ACT but also surrounding south-eastern regional NSW. |
| 4.1 | 358 | Understanding freight flows | ACT | Ongoing | 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 survey collected the views of industry drivers and road transport operators about heavy vehicle rest areas, their locational requirements, and the types of facilities. The need for a significant layover and rest facility on Monaro highway was identified by freight industry in the ACT. A design for a heavy vehicle rest area is currently included in the Monaro Highway upgrade project scope. |
| 4.1 | 360 | National Australian Transport Assessment and Planning Guidance – urban freight demand modelling | All | Short term | As part of the Australian Transport Assessment and Planning Steering Committee, the ACT had contributed to the development of the national guidance on urban freight modelling through review of the draft materials to ensure consistency in modelling freight demand, or heavy vehicle movements, in urban transport models across jurisdictions. The Urban Freight Modelling guidance would assist the ACT in developing an urban freight model to help inform transport infrastructure planning and policy decisions. Concurrently, the ACT has initiated a Commercial Vehicle Scoping Study that explores how a commercial vehicle/freight model would fit within the Canberra Strategic Transport Model and provides a roadmap and recommendations for future data collection and model development. See related item Development of Australian Transport Assessment and Planning urban freight modelling guidelines under Action 3.2. |