2011 Annual Report - National Transport Commission

National Ports
Strategy
to protect
freight corridors
Australia needs a
national collaborative
approach for the future
development and
planning of its port and
freight infrastructure.
With the country’s ports
and related landside logistic
supply chains facing major
challenges—such as a
strong projected growth in
trade, urban encroachment
and congestion—long-term
planning is essential to protect
freight corridors, boost
productivity and attract greater
private sector investment.
NTC and Infrastructure
Australia (IA) have been
working closely with
stakeholders throughout the
year to develop a National
Ports Strategy. The proposed
strategy is now in its final
stages of development and
will be submitted to COAG
for approval later in 2011.
The strategy is a vital part of
the comprehensive national
freight strategy being
developed by NTC and IA,
which aims to provide an
overarching national freight
plan for Australia.
Smart
technology
strategy
finalised
The widespread uptake
of technology in the road
freight industry could
improve road safety,
reduce transport costs
and cut emissions.
To facilitate wider uptake
of smart technologies and
give industry the confidence
it needs to invest in these
devices, the NTC developed
and finalised a National invehicle
telematics strategy:
The road freight sector
2010-2030. The strategy
was prepared in consultation
with stakeholders and is
designed to provide a clear
and consistent policy for
technology use.
The NTC also finalised a
policy paper titled Electronic
systems for heavy vehicle
driver fatigue and speed
compliance. The policy paper
provides a way forward
for industry and regulators
to allow the voluntary use
of electronic work diaries
to monitor heavy vehicle
work and rest hours. It
also addresses the use of
technology to monitor speed
compliance.
Leading the debate
on best practice reform
Throughout the year, the NTC was invited to present at
a number of high profile events. Key highlights include:
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Japan 2010:
NTC Chairman Greg Martin presented on ‘Heavy vehicle
road pricing reform in Australia – unlocking productivity
and investment’. Mr Martin also presented at a range of
other events during the year including AusRail 2010 and
the 8th International Conference on Managing Fatigue in
transportation, resources and health.
National Transport Development Policy Committee,
India: NTC Deputy Chairman Ian Johnston presented on
transport reform in Australia.
CEDA State of the Nation 2011–Rethinking Australia:
Chief Executive Nick Dimopoulos presented on Australia’s
transport challenges and the work underway to address
these challenges. Mr Dimopoulos also presented at a range
of other industry events throughout the year including the
Australian Logistics Council Forum 2011.
Federal Motor Carrier Administration’s Motor Carrier
Safety Advisory Committee (United States of America):
Chief Strategy Officer Paul Sullivan presented on Australia’s
experience of heavy vehicle fatigue reform. Mr Sullivan also
met with other key US transport research institutes and
government departments to share knowledge on best practice
transport reform.
Australasian Transport Research Forum: NTC
Commissioner Frank Muller and Senior Manager Neil Wong
hosted a panel discussion to stimulate debate among
transport researchers, policymakers and practitioners
on the best way to turn research into policy.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) Multi Year Expert Meeting: Chief Policy Officer
Meena Naidu presented on Australia’s transport experience;
in particular, the nation’s future transport challenges and the
reforms that will be used to address these challenges.
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