The New South Wales government has released a new reform paper that sets out how the state will seek to grow to $130 billion by 2061.
The productivity and growth plan says it will result in a state freight sector that employs an extra 235,000 workers while adding $131.5 billion to the state’s economy.
The Delivering Freight Policy Reform in NSW expert reported was led by Dr Kerry Schott AO and a three-member panel after the state government requested it in January last year.
Including a roadmap of short, medium and long-term actions to better integrate freight into transport networks, the state government has accepted the report and asked for further work to be done by Schott on how to move more freight at night to take advantage of off-peak capacity.
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The current value of NSW’s freight industry is $74 billion and it employs 330,000 people according to Transport for NSW data.
From amending port policy for container terminals to recruitment programs that address workforce shortages, a range of plans are included in the report.
Key actions include developing a freight master plan to ensure an integrated and long-term approach through enhanced strategic planning for freight and a focus on rail freight shifts.
However, the report suggests government should support a program to promote recruitment and address skills and workforce shortages, including heavy vehicle drivers.
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