Over to you LRTAWA by David Fyfe, President
Time to secure the future
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ncertainty and volatility are gathering speed as the catch cry of the second decade of the 21st century. It has never been more important to prepare for the unexpected, particularly when it comes to government policy.
The last twelve months have shown us that to insulate our own citizens from unexpected shocks we need to plan for disasters better than we have done. It has also highlighted the significance of the freight industry. During fires, floods and
pandemics we have encountered the risks of interrupting the supply chain. Against this backdrop and the lessons of the recent past I am concerned about the impact of the closure of the Kwinana BP refinery on WA’s fuel security. Our reduced
Bullsbrook Intermodal Container Terminal project reaches next stage News
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Market-led Proposal for the development of a new Bullsbrook Intermodal Container Terminal is being considered by the McGowan Government, with the proposal progressing to Stage 2. The proposal, by Harvis Capital Pty Ltd, for an intermodal terminal at Bullsbrook could unlock future development in Perth's north-eastern corridor, facilitating economic activity and attracting job opportunities to the area. Moving metropolitan freight from road to rail helps reduce road congestion and improve efficiency, safety and productivity of the freight network, ensuring Western Australia is competitive in domestic and international markets. It also supports job creation in the 18
WATM • December 2020
north-east corridor. An intermodal terminal would bring containerised freight from Fremantle Port to unload in the Bullsbrook industrial area, where it would be transferred from rail to the regional road network. Stage 2 of the project assessment process will further investigate the feasibility of the proposal, with the proponent to now submit a detailed business case on the project. Market-led Proposals are a streamlined way for businesses and government to work together to create a stronger economy and jobs for Western Australians. WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “One of our key election
commitments was to move more freight onto rail to help ease road congestion and improve safety. “An intermodal terminal at Bullsbrook has the potential to boost the efficiency and capacity of the rail freight system, reduce truck movements on metropolitan roads and to increase job creation and economic development in Perth's north-eastern corridor. “We will continue to work closely with industry to encourage and support more freight on rail, to make our freight supply chains as efficient and cost effective as possible.” More information is available at www. wa.gov.au/organisation/department-offinance/market-led-proposals.
