Ports Australia today congratulated Infrastructure Australia on their ongoing work in providing our political and business decision makers with the in-depth analysis they require to advance Australia through sensible and vital infrastructure.

This year’s priority list focuses on the challenges of congestion, liveability, safety, regional growth, and supporting a healthy economy.

Ports Australia chief executive, Mike Gallacher, said that a focus on improving connectivity to Ports around the country is critical to reducing congestion in our cities.

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see projects like the Port Botany Rail duplication, Port of Brisbane dedicated freight rail, freight rail access to Port Kembla, and the Port of Gladstone land and sea upgrade identified in this year’s priority list.”

“Improved connectivity to the country’s Ports allows a more efficient flow of freight to and from the Port gate. This, in turn, reduces congestion, makes roads safer, and lowers the cost of living through cheaper freight.”

“If congestion and liveability truly are issues for our political leaders, then more needs to be said about alternative ways to move freight rather than simply announcing big ticket road and rail projects. We are surrounded by ocean, it’s time to discuss how we can make current road, rail and maritime infrastructure work better together allowing us to receive the most from the public’s infrastructure investments.”

“Coastal shipping is one avenue that neither side has yet to seriously consider as a policy initiative. Moving more freight by the blue highway reduces stress on land networks which would extend the lifespan and return on investment on all the projects listed in Infrastructure Australia’s priority list.”

“One small ship can do the work of 800 trucks, something that must be taken into consideration when one of Infrastructure Australia’s concerns is the increasing heavy freight vehicles leading to greater numbers of fatalities.”

"The value waiting to be unlocked by a renewed focus on shipping to move more non-time specific freight is vast and diverse.”

“The soon to be released National Freight and Supply Chain strategy will be vital to the future infrastructure planning and policy implementation of this country, and it’s very positive to see Infrastructure Australia recognise this as a key point.”

“Smart freight and smart infrastructure go hand in hand. The key to tackling the challenges of congestions, liveability and regional growth brought on by the strains of higher than expected population growth is through smart freight and supply chains,” Mike Gallacher concluded.

‍