Farmers welcome fast-tracked freight review

The state’s peak farming body says rural and regional road and rail needs to be urgently looked at as part of a federal freight and supply chain review.

NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe said issues such as the pandemic and war in Ukraine had exposed Australia’s supply chain shortcomings, while recent extreme weather had wreaked havoc on local roads and railways.

“We used to say ‘trucks ruin roads’, but now it’s the other way around,” Mr Lowe said.

“Australia produces some of the world’s best food and fibre, but if we can’t get it from farm gate to dinner plate we’ve got a big problem.

“NSW Farmers welcomes this fast-tracked review into our freight and supply chain security, and we hope to get some meaningful action sooner than later.”

A national review of supply chains and freight handling had been slated for 2024, but Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said it had been brought forward as it was ‘critical’ to the economy.

“Farmers want to get on with the business of farming without having to worry about transport and supply chain bottlenecks,” Mr Lowe said.

“Agriculture is a key economic driver for our state and our nation, but we’re being outpaced by other countries because our supply chains aren’t up to scratch.

“Given we’re a key user of roads, ports and railway lines, we are keen to have a say in how to tackle the problem.”