Ports Australia and the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) have urged state governments around the country to prioritise land critical to the sustainable future of supply chains.
In a statement made to the ‘Greater Sydney Commission on the Industrial Lands Policy Review, the bodies said there needs to be a “wider debate” involving authorities around Australia focusing on protecting freight trade from “urban encroachment”.
Ports Australia’s CEO, Mike Gallacher stressed that the supply chain belongs front-and-centre in state planning.
“Proper state planning and prioritisation ensures net benefit for the state is maximised and sustained over the long-term,” Gallacher said.
“We know property developers around Australia continue to eye off the quick buck potential of coastal locations but we must keep our priorities straight. This land is critical to our supply chain and it must be protected at all costs.”
Brad Williams, ALC CEO, echoed the sentiment saying the protection and preservation of industrial lands in both local markets such as New South Wales (NSW) and nationally are fundamental to the future operating capabilities of the supply chains.
“The assured supply of industrial land, close to population centres and separated from residences, is essential to managing the cost of moving freight and the efficiency and productivity of supply chains,’ Williams said.
“Long term thinking is needed to avoid poor planning decisions that will allow encroachment of residential areas on industrial lands placing pressure on critical supply chains.”
