Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) has firmly rejected the proposed changes to the Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy (PBLIS). The group believes these changes could harm trucking operators and disrupt the smooth flow of goods in the supply chain.
Simon O’Hara, CEO of RFNSW, explained that PBLIS has played a crucial role in making Port Botany one of the most efficient ports in the country. He warned that moving its management from Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to a private entity could undo years of progress. “Handing PBLIS over to private control would hurt not just trucking operators, but also the wider community,” O’Hara said.
Key Concerns Raised by RFNSW
O’Hara outlined several proposals RFNSW and its members have voted to oppose, including:
- Removal of Broad Powers to Regulate Stevedore Charges
RFNSW highlighted that landside charges have increased by over 900% since 2017, with two of the three stevedores set to raise prices again in January 2025. O’Hara called this recommendation particularly troubling, noting the financial strain it places on trucking businesses. - Staggered Time Zone Commencement
The proposal to issue time slots in 30- or 15-minute intervals was criticised as impractical. “It’s already challenging to manage one-hour time slot windows,” O’Hara said, adding that the change could lead to more inefficiencies for transport allocators and drivers. - Impact on Delivery Schedules for Critical Goods
The proposed reforms could cause delays in delivering essential items such as medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, bonded cargo, and food. This disruption could result in higher costs and reduced reliability for consumers. - Strain on a Fragile Industry
O’Hara warned that rising costs and inefficiencies could push more freight businesses out of the industry. “Many have already left, selling off assets at a loss. These changes could make the situation even worse,” he said.
Over the years, PBLIS has delivered clear benefits, particularly through improved truck turnaround times. These efficiency gains are now at risk, according to RFNSW, threatening family-owned businesses that have operated for generations. “Many landside carriers fear these reforms will significantly harm their operations,” O’Hara said.
Despite rejecting many of the proposed reforms, RFNSW remains open to working with the port to improve operations for all transport providers. O’Hara urged decision-makers to consider the industry’s feedback before moving forward.
“Freight volumes will require multi-modal solutions in the future, but rail shouldn’t come at the expense of efficient, cost-effective road freight movements,” he explained. “As the NSW community grows, the need for reliable road freight services will only increase.”
O’Hara concluded with a stark warning: “The freight community doesn’t want these reforms. If the government doesn’t listen, the impact on the freight industry and the community could be devastating, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.”
RFNSW’s stance underlines the importance of striking a balance between rail and road freight while maintaining regulations that support the industry’s efficiency and affordability. The organisation hopes that its feedback will encourage a review of the proposed changes to ensure a fair and sustainable outcome for all stakeholders.
