Seminar Series “Freight in Focus”

Increasing requests for information from industry on a myriad of issues impacting the freight transport and supply chains, has prompted the QTLC to take action.  A Seminar Series – Freight in Focus commencing in 2014 will be held to tackle various emergent freight and logistics issues.

The Seminar Series will be held quarterly in consultation with the office of the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and will focus on issues that are; strategic and have broad implications for the freight and logistics sector.

Key note speakers will present divergent views on relevant issues with the aim of promoting a common understanding; and supporting activities that focus on improving efficiency and productivity.

The Seminar Series represents QTLC’s on-going commitment to responding to the needs of industry, by creating a forum for meaningful dialogue between key stakeholders.

Seminar Series details will be posted on the QTLC website when topics and dates are confirmed.

 

 

A Transport Supply Chain Study explores modal shifts in Central Queensland

The development of future mining operations in the Galilee Basin directed attention to the need for long term planning to address issues that would potentially impact supply chain efficiencies and connectivity in the region.

The federally funded Central Queensland Transport Supply Chain Study (CQTSCS) initiated by the Department of State Development and Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP) explores a modal shift of certain commodities from road to rail in Central Queensland.

Consideration is being given to the establishment of an inland port to facilitate the modal shift from road to rail of mining inputs (fuel, cement, chemicals) and agricultural exports (grain, cotton, citrus).  A modal shift of these commodities from road to rail would likely support new trade and marketing opportunities for an above rail operator.

Rail based logistics solutions being proposed have a state wide focus on the rail system connecting the ports of Gladstone and Mackay to the resource areas of the Bowen and Galilee basins.

Emerald is being considered as the location for the proposed inland port due to it proximity to new mining operations in the Galilee basin area and cotton, grain and citrus agriculture.

The QTLC together with Transport and Main Roads will hold the Central Queensland Supply Chain Forum, seeking input from regional business and industry leaders on factors underpinning supply chain optimisation.

The forum will be held in conjunction with the Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) breakfast to be held on 21 February 2014 in Emerald.  For more information and to register please CLICK HERE.

Congestion Management App has benefits for the freight industry

QTLC is leading the development and implementation of a Heavy Vehicle Congestion Management (HVCM) Application(s) (App) that uses real time traffic data to inform operators of congestion and network incidences to allow enable them to take mitigating action where possible.

With freight movement expected to grow by 71.6% over the next 10 years, and roads dominating as the preferred mode, there will be increasing pressure on the network resulting in greater congestion. Recent studies show the estimated cost of SEQ transport congestion in 2008 was $1.2 billion per year with a projected growth to $3 billion per year by 2020.

The HVCM Application will enable:

  • transport operators to keep informed of congestion and network incidences that have the potential to cause delays and take mitigating action by suggesting an alternative route.
  • transport operators to estimate time taken to move through the network which will enable them to better manage critical freight time requirements.
  • transport operators to provide congestion and network updates to users within their fleet, providing commercial advantage.

Currently, operators travelling to QLD from other states must access multiple traffic information systems. The HVCM App will explore the incorporation of real time traffic data from NSW and Victoria to create cross-border integration and a streamlined system for operators.

The first HVCM Steering Committee meeting attended by QTLC, STRC, TMR was held on 5 December.

Improving productivity and efficiencies for High Productivity Vehicles

The Heavy Vehicle Action Plan (HVAP) is a Department of Transport Main Roads (TMR) initiative that aims to achieve a course action over the next 10 years to improve the productivity and efficiency of HPV and Oversize/Overmass vehicles.

The HVAP will assist TMR in prioritising investment that directly facilitates freight efficient vehicle productivity in preference to projects that currently favour routes with a high number of vehicles per day, thus optimising value for that investment.

Industry’s contribution is a vital element to the development of the plan. An industry consultation workshop conducted with representatives from across industry proved invaluable in identifying priority infrastructure issues.

Priorities identified by industry formed the basis for a case study to develop a methodology that uses economic, social and safety levers, to assist TMR regions develop business cases to apply for funding.

HVAP emphasises the needs of freight and heavy vehicles, and as such the QTLC is supportive of the working being undertaken, particularly given the HVAP’s efforts in highlighting the importance of freight to the economy.

Strengthening Queensland’s Supply Chains (2012-2013)

Supply Chain efficiencies have always been of paramount importance to the freight industry and the issue it is now gaining increased attention from all tiers of government that recognise the economic and community benefits these efficiencies deliver.

Since its release The QTLC’s Strengthening Queensland’s Supply Chains has received support from both industry and government for addressing the existing issues that impact on the efficiency of supply chains.  The 52 recommendations contained within the report focus on low cost, innovative, systemic solutions to addressing these issues.   It is intended that the SQSC will be a “live” document that is reviewed bi-annually and is responsive to changes in the freight environment.

The QTLC had an opportunity to discuss elements of the report with the Queensland Premier who was supportive of the initiatives identified, particularly those relating to rail and agricultural commodities.

The report makes strategic and operational recommendations to improve the development and sustainability of efficient and productive supply chains in Queensland. It also identifies freight transport and logistics infrastructure investment and necessary policy, planning and process reforms required to support the future freight task in Queensland.

To view the Strengthening Queensland’s Supply Chains Report please CLICK HERE