The upcoming election in Victoria is creating uncertainty for the transport industry as a major infrastructure improvement in the city is under threat. Whether the new government will follow through with the planned East/West link is in the balance with polls unclear as to the probable result of November’s state election.
For the transport industry clarity in future plans, and stability of those plans, are paramount as investment will be needed to handle the growth in the freight task. Future congestion and route provision information will make it easier for the industry to properly plan investment decisions.
“Whichever party wins the state election, Australia Logistics Council is seeking long-term policy certainty to support business confidence and to facilitate investment in logistics facilities,” said Michael Kilgariff, ALC Managing Director. “In particular, industry seeks stability in relation to the critical issue of freight planning, which by its very nature needs to be both long-term and strategic to provide the industry with the surety it needs to make business decisions with confidence.
“For example, whoever assumes office should follow through on the actions of the state freight and logistics strategy.”
The Victorian state logistics and freight strategy was developed by the previous Labor administration, in which Tim Pallas was Transport Minister, and continued by the current Coalition government.
“The intent of the current Victorian freight and logistics strategy does not differ substantially from that which was developed under Tim Pallas and should continue to roll out,” said Kilgariff. “While we appreciate there may need to be some changes to implement the election promises of whichever side wins government, fundamentally, industry is looking for stability rather than wholesale change.
“ALC believes the Link from the Eastern Freeway to the Western Ring Road is a freight route of national significance. Providing an efficient linkage to the Port of Melbourne, Australia’s busiest container port, is critical to coping with rising freight growth and a growing population in Melbourne’s west.”