NSW Can’t Afford to Get Freight Planning Wrong – Australian Logistics Council Urges Urgent Review Before it’s Too Late
The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has called on the NSW Government to urgently strengthen its Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans (SRITPs) by ensuring freight and logistics are integrated as a core priority rather than an afterthought.
While ALC welcomes the government’s strategic long-term focus on regional transport, its recent submission highlights critical shortcomings in freight network investment, land-use planning, and infrastructure integration. Without immediate adjustments, regional freight bottlenecks will increase costs for businesses and consumers, weaken NSW’s export competitiveness, and create long-term supply chain inefficiencies.
Hermione Parsons, CEO of ALC
“Freight movement is fundamental to economic prosperity and the functioning of everyday life in the city as well as in the regions,” said Hermione Parsons, CEO of ALC, “and the plans need to be consistent and integrated”.
“A well-designed transport network must serve both people and goods. Right now, this plan leans too heavily towards passenger mobility without fully addressing the critical role of freight logistics in sustaining industries, communities, and supply chains.”
Key Concerns Raised by ALC
Freight Rail Bottlenecks – Major regional freight corridors—Hunter Valley, Central West, and Southern Highlands—are already at capacity. Without urgent investment in projects such as the Lower Hunter Freight Corridor and the Gulgong to Maryvale rail link, freight will be forced onto congested roads, driving up transport costs and reducing supply chain efficiency.
Land-Use Conflicts – Freight corridors and intermodal hubs must be protected. The subdivision and rezoning of industrial land for other purposes is making it harder to secure vital freight infrastructure, restricting long-term economic growth.
Inadequate First- and Last-Mile Infrastructure – Rural producers, manufacturers, and exporters rely on efficient freight networks. The lack of targeted investment in regional roads and intermodal connectivity is already causing delays and increasing operating costs.
Regulatory and Workforce Challenges – Freight operators face a patchwork of inconsistent regulations, while a shortage of skilled workers and a lack of investment in heavy vehicle rest areas are making freight movement less efficient and less safe.
Climate Resilience & Decarbonisation – Freight must be central to the state’s decarbonisation efforts. The SRITPs fail to address the urgent need for alternative fuel infrastructure, including heavy EV charging and hydrogen refuelling along major freight corridors.
ALC has also raised concerns about insufficient industry consultation in the development of the SRITPs.
“Transport planning that fails to embed freight considerations from the outset will lead to inefficiencies, congestion, and economic constraints” said Parsons. “NSW is actively in freight planning for metropolitan areas, but this expertise does not appear to have been incorporated in these plans”.
Sheena Fardell, Head of Government & Industry Affairs, ALC
ALC is calling for an immediate review to ensure the Plans deliver long-term economic and sustainability outcomes.
“Strategic freight planning must be evidence-based, nationally aligned, and designed for long-term success,” said Sheena Fardell, Head of Government & Industry Affairs at ALC.
“Our members operate across road, rail, sea, air, and intermodal transport, and they are telling us the same thing—a more sophisticated, integrated approach to freight is required”
ALC has urged the NSW Government to urgently revisit its freight planning approach before the Regional Plans are finalised.
“Freight logistics is not a secondary consideration—it is the backbone of our supply chains. If we fail to plan for freight today, we will face higher costs, greater inefficiencies, and reduced investment tomorrow.” Fardell added.
