Transport For NSW Announcements On Freight And Access Policies

Freight transport has been at the centre of a reform agenda in NSW, with the Freight Policy Reform Advisory Panel delivering its Interim Directions Report, followed by the release of the updated NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy.

NSW Independent Freight Policy Reform Panel Interim Directions report

The Interim Directions report makes key recommendations to support an efficient logistics supply chain in the state. A second round of consultation has opened, with the Freight Policy set to be finalised by the end of 2024.

Key issues in the paper include:

• Support for decarbonisation;
• planning and protection of industrial land, and;
• the use of data and information to inform decision making and address skills shortages.

The paper also makes a recommendation for the finalisation and implantation of the NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy to optimise the use of the road network for modern heavy vehicles.

Analysis from the report shows freight volumes are estimated to increase by 26% across NSW between 2021 and 2041, with a 40% increase in Greater Sydney alone.

A TfNSW information session will be held on Monday 23 September, with online submissions accepted until Wednesday 23 October 2024. Visit Transport’s webpage to read the Interim Directions Paper and register for the information session by Friday 20 September 2024.

NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy

HVIA has been working closely with TfNSW to provide feedback on their updated Heavy Vehicle Access Policy. The Policy is guided by five pillars:

• Agile and resilient networks
• Innovative vehicles
• Streamlined access
• Telematics and data
• Strong partnerships

The Policy Pillars outlined in the draft policy largely flow through to the final policy document. However, the language in the final document has been refined to reflect some of the key concerns raised by HVIA. The main refinements are:

• Clearer recognition that networks need to be fit for purpose and the role that modern high productivity vehicles can play in enhancing safety, environmental and efficiency goals
• More nuanced discussion of the role of high productivity vehicles and the interaction of access decisions with respect to these vehicles with road network standards
• Recognition of the need to review the principles and standards guiding future road infrastructure design and maintenance in order to facilitate high productivity vehicle access
• More detailed discussion on the need for effective coupling and decoupling strategies to support high productivity vehicles
• Clearer recognition of the need to work with industry on research trials and evaluation of new and emerging vehicles and technologies
• Better discussion on the need to provide certainty of access to industry to foster investment in high productivity vehicles
• A more nuanced discussion of how well designed telematics systems can enhance industry productivity in addition to facilitating better management of road infrastructure and that more intelligent infrastructure is also important in overall management of the system
• A recognition that enhancing community understanding of the role of freight in improving societal outcomes and the benefits that high productivity vehicles bring will assist in achieving community acceptance of these vehicles

Members can read the NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy here.

HVIA is digesting the updated Policy and welcomes feedback from members to either Adele Lausberg, a.lausberg@hvia.asn.au or Greg Forbes, g.forbes@hvia.asn.au.