Annual Report 2008-2009 - Department of Transport

36
Freight and Logistics Council of Western Australia
In March 2009, the Minister for Transport established the Freight and
Logistics Council of Western Australia. This council consolidates the State’s
previous modal-based councils, reflecting the growing nation-wide shift to
a focus more aligned with overall supply chain solutions and door-to-door
movements, irrespective of mode.
The new council comprises senior decision makers from industry and
government, and is charged with providing strategic policy advice to the
Minister on overarching freight and logistics issues. It progresses issues
through a combination of research, advocacy and information sharing.
Issues already on the council’s agenda include the State’s grain rail network,
Fremantle Port planning, international trading terms, national shipping
policy, port administration in Western Australia, protection of freight
corridors, single national rail regulation and freight noise policy.
The Department provides funding, research and administrative support to
the Council.
*This activity also relates to Goal 5.
www.transport.wa.gov.au/freight
Grain freight network
The Government has established a Strategic Grain Network Committee,
under the auspices of the Freight and Logistics Council, to advise the
Minister on the best investment options for the grain freight network. It will
report to the Government in November 2009.
The Department provides executive support for the committee, which
comprises relevant government transport agencies, the grain freight
industry and the Commonwealth Minister for Transport’s representative.
This committee replaces the Grain Infrastructure Group and will build on
the work of this group in conjunction with the Commonwealth Government.
North West Corridor transport planning
A strategic level assessment of the adequacy of the existing and planned
regional transport network in the North West Corridor was completed in
June 2009. The Department undertook this study in consultation with
a range of stakeholders including local governments, Main Roads WA,
the Public Transport Authority and LandCorp. It was undertaken in the
context of the proposals for future developments in the region such as St
Andrews, Alkimos–Eglinton, Neerabup Industrial Area and East Wanneroo.
These developments are expected to generate substantial traffic and will
therefore have a significant impact on transport infrastructure and services
requirements in the North West Corridor. The findings of the study will
assist the review of the North West Corridor structure plan that is currently
underway.
*This activity also relates to Goal 4.
www.transport.wa.gov.au/freight
Owner-drivers (Contracts and Disputes) Act
The Owner-Drivers (Contracts and Disputes) Act 2007 was proclaimed on
1 August 2008 with full implementation in 2009. This Act is designed to
improve the bargaining position of freight transport owner-drivers and to
provide guidance on best business practice to assist them to achieve a safe
and sustainable rate that allows them to operate more safely.
Some components of the Act, including those dealing with payment
provisions, came into effect in February 2009, following a six-month
transition period.
A code of conduct in the form of regulations for the Act, a guideline rates
model, and a model owner-driver contract are being developed by the
Department in consultation with the Road Freight Transport Industry
Council. The Act also provides owner-drivers and hirers with access to a
Road Freight Transport Industry Tribunal.
*This activity also relates to Goal 5.
www.transport.wa.gov.au/freight