The NSW recently released their new Freight and Infrastructure Strategy but according to a report at http://www.supplychainreview.com.au/ there has been a “mixed response” to the strategy from the industry sector. In the report they said that whilst the proposed actions around the areas of the ports is appreciated concern has been expressed about the freight corridor protection. According to the report at http://www.supplychainreview.com.au/: Sydney’s Port Botany precinct will be a focus of New South Wales freight-related infrastructure spending, with the Government highlighting four projects around the port and airport. The projects mark part of a finalised 20-year strategy, though Premier Barry O’Farrell admits much depends on Federal funding. “We recognise it is essential to fix up bottlenecks around the airport and port to prepare for the expected growth. “The NSW Government will prioritise four key road pinch points around Sydney Airport and Port Botany – a recommendation made by Infrastructure NSW. “We have already begun preparing for these projects which will cost $300 million and take between three and five years to complete. “The timeframe will depend on whether the Commonwealth agrees to our request to partially fund the projects.” The project and their aims are:

• A road underpass of the rail line at General Holmes Drive level crossing. Closure of this rail level crossing will improve road movements, and provide benefits to rail freight by removing a major pinch point from the rail network
• A truck layover area in the Foreshore Rd area. This will reduce freight movements on the road network by allowing container vehicle parking close to the port terminal
• Implementing a one-way system on airport approach roads. The option provides for converting both Bourke Rd and O’Riordan St, to their intersection near Green Square, into three-lane one-way routes. This is aimed at allowing greater through capacity for these roads
• Widening of Mill Pond Rd. This project includes the provision for increased storage for city bound traffic released from General Holmes Drive, improving the efficiency of access to Botany Rd and Southern Cross Drive.

O’Farrell also confirmed a commitment to spend $61.8 billion over four years directed towards:

• North West Rail Link
• South West Rail Link
• WestConnex
• Light rail
• Bridges for the Bush
• The Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct
• Pacific Highway upgrades

Source: http://www.supplychainreview.com.au/news/articleid/82169.aspx The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) according to the report feels that the government has not identified, protected and funded the key freight corridors with the strategy. Michael Kilgariff, the ALC Managing Director, believes that the strategy needs to consider the locations of NSW’s future production centres and the areas that will be experiencing growth in population to ensure that the freight corridors will be able to supply demand as required in the future.