Planning Ahead

Bianca Slack-Smith is the Director of Policy and Regulatory Reform at TfNSW, and has been closely involved in what is essentially a five-year road map intended to improve access for high productivity road transport vehicles, in addition to providing a state government’s perspective on other important industry issues.

Prime Mover: What sort of challenges face the planning for the future of freight?
Bianca Slack-Smith: Traditionally freight has increased in line with the population, but more recently freight volumes are increasing at a higher rate than the population growth which is reflecting our higher standards of living and our changing lifestyles and consumption patterns. We also know that climate change and the drive towards decarbonisation and emerging technologies are driving changes to freight demand and the way freight moves along the logistics chain.

PM: What sort of growth numbers are we looking at here?
BS-S: Without going into too much detail, it’s known that the freight task will continue to grow 34 per cent across New South Wales by 2061 with a 56 per cent increase in Greater Sydney. We are already seeing in just one year a 60 per cent growth in metropolitan deliveries and a 51 per cent growth in regional deliveries. So there is impetus to have an efficient, effective, integrated and connected freight network.

PM: Where does freight fit into the overall planning strategy for New South Wales?
BS-S: In terms of strategic planning, we want freight to be recognised as a vital service, similar to other utilities like water and power. We see it as an important direction to ensure that there is adequate planning for, and delivery of, industrial land for freight purposes. A key recommendation is progressing the necessary business cases and planning for a dedicated Western Sydney rail freight line and appropriate intermodal terminal facilities.

PM: In addition to infrastructure planning, can an agency such as TfNSW assist with the chronic operator shortages?
BS-S: We can assist by supporting the industry to address immediate workforce shortages and focus on truck and freight train drivers in the first instance, including a commitment to deliver the heavy vehicle ‘driver experience’ pathway which will fall under the model proposed in the Austroads review of the licencing framework. We recognise we need to expedite that and just start getting on with it.

PM: Should the states be involved in reforms to road use charging?
BS-S: It is proposed that we [TfNSW] work with the other jurisdictions and the Commonwealth to progress a model of distance-based charging for zero emission vehicles first, and develop the model and prove it. Then it can be expanded across all heavy vehicles and potentially across other vehicles. We know industry needs transparency around charging when considering these long-term investments and we know that long-term fuel excise revenue is diminishing.

PM: ‘Access’ is a continual subject of discussion within the road freight sector. How is this being addressed?
BS-S: The Heavy Vehicle Access Policy recently launched by the Minister was developed with extensive and multiple rounds of industry consultation. I thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback and ensure we got this right. In New South Wales we do think we’re reasonably progressive in terms of how we manage access to the network, but the Access Policy firmly recognises there is so much more we can be doing. The objective is to optimise the use of the network to achieve overall improvements in terms of the outcomes – safety, sustainability and productivity – of freight movements. This can involve increasing the certainty of access to encourage the investment in safer and more innovative high productivity vehicles and technologies, and making it easier for the safest, most sustainable and most productive vehicles to access the network, which is the inverse of how the system seems to currently operate. Evidenced-based changes to accommodate new and emerging vehicles, service models and disruptive innovations, and co-operating with industry and local councils to improve end-to-end access across the network will enhance efficiencies in the supply chain.

PM: At a state level, what is being done around the move to zero emissions?
BS-S: Almost a year ago we launched the Towards Zero Net Emissions Freight Policy. This policy recognises the freight sector is going to be one of the hardest to abate and we need to take steps to reduce emissions in the current environment while we work together to support transition to new technologies aimed at net zero. I want to highlight the two-year access trial which came with the policy which is allowing access for zero emission vehicles up to eight tonnes on a single steer axle, up to 18.5 tonnes on the drive to a total combination of 26 tonnes. It is available under Notice but if people are looking for additional access for zero emission vehicles please reach out to us as we are really keen to get vehicles moving. I also encourage people to check the Online Tool we have developed which provides information in a Knowledge Hub around the types of technologies that are available to reduce emissions. It also performs as a comparison tool which enables industry to compare zero emission alternatives to their current fleet and freight task. We are keen to continue to work with industry to support the reduction in emissions and transition to net zero.

PM: How important in formulating these types of plans is accurate data and other information?
BS-S: Quality data deepens our understanding of present and future freight infrastructure needs, offering insights that can guide how we can directly address those needs and invest cost-effectively. It enables all participants in the freight logistics chain, including governments and industry alike, to efficiently plan, manage and optimise freight movements. An independent expert panel chaired by Dr Kerry Schott is making key recommendations to advance freight in New South Wales. These recommendations, including immediate actions and proposed longer term directions, have been highlighted in an Interim Directions Paper. In the paper, the panel discusses nine key focus areas, including the importance of improving information and data to achieve better freight outcomes. It points out the necessity of identifying existing data sources and recognising any gaps that need to be addressed. Importantly, the paper highlights the need to work with industry and others to establish better data sharing. Improvements in data and information will be of benefit to governments, freight logistics operators and end consumers alike, driving greater safety and productivity that result in a more resilient, sustainable and responsive supply chain.

PM: Is the plan to make these interactions more collaborative?
BS-S: We believe the Heavy Vehicle Access Policy and the outcomes of the Freight Policy Reform Program are going to be transformative and we want to work with industry to make that a reality.