Queensland Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk and Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace have said North Queenslanders will benefit from an integrated freight strategy that will help ensure the state’s economic potential by continuing to provide a modern, reliable and high capacity network.
Ms Palaszczuk said the strategy provided a comprehensive forward plan covering everything from trucks and boats to planes and trains.
“The Queensland Government is investing $5.4 billion in transport infrastructure across the state, which will deliver significant benefits for freight,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The world economy will continue to drive increasing demand for raw materials, such as zinc, copper, lead, phosphate and magnetite - particularly from the Northern Economic Triangle which includes Mt Isa and Townsville.
“This demand will drive significant growth in freight activity in the Townsville region. There could be as much as 10-15 million tonnes per annum moving along existing transport corridors to the Port of Townsville.
“The strong trade performance at the Port of Townsville for 2010/11 financial year was a record in its 115-year history, increasing by 3.4 per cent on the previous year.
“It’s expected that imported dry bulk products, will continue to dominate the port of Townsville trade.
“With our population set to grow by more than two million people in the next 20 years, we need work together with industry and federal and local governments to make sure we can meet the state’s needs.
“This strategy is about getting on the front foot and dealing with this increasing demand.
“A sustainable and effective freight network in Queensland will make sure goods are moving and economy is running at full steam.
“But this isn’t just about economics. Freight has a significant impact especially for regional and rural communities.”
Mr Wallace said the strategy was developed after extensive consultation and input from a range of stakeholders including industry and other levels of government.
“Freight provides vital links at national, regional and local levels,” Mr Wallace said.
“We enjoy a great lifestyle up here in North Queensland thanks to our growing economy – but that economy is largely dependent on the efficient operations of the state’s freight network.
“The strategy will help shape Queensland’s input to the Commonwealth’s draft National Land Freight Strategy discussion paper, as well as how we work with local government.
“Ultimately, these solutions must be safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable.
“This strategy includes a feasibility study for coastal shipping, improving heavy vehicle access to the road network and preserving freight corridors and activity centres.
“Importantly, the strategy will ensure Queensland continues to meet our freight challenges and opportunities, now and into the future.
“Trade is booming in North Queensland. The bottom line is freight is great for our state.”
The Integrated Freight Strategy for Queensland is available on the Transport and Main Roads website at
www.tmr.qld.gov.au.