This is significant because of the role of NSW as both a through-state and consignor of freight. The NSW Freight and Port Strategy estimates that over 60 per cent of Australia's freight either passes through or originates in NSW.
"ALC has a long held policy supporting the recycling of government assets (such as the long term lease of the Ports of Botany and Newcastle) and investing proceeds in the Restart NSW Fund," said ALC CEO Michael Kilgariff.
"This will provide NSW with access to the funds contained in the new Commonwealth Access Recycling Agreement to encourage states to recycle mature assets that can be better managed by the private sector.
"The effective management of assets has allowed the Government to invest in the infrastructure necessary to allow the state economy to efficiently grow," he said.
Nationally significant infrastructure
ALC has also commended the NSW Government in working with the Commonwealth to invest in nationally significant infrastructure such as: WestConnex; NorthConnex; and, most importantly, the Western Sydney roads to support Sydney's second airport at Badgerys Creek, which, as the Budget Papers say, is a critical step in ensuring the continued economic success of New South Wales and Australia.
ALC also notes the commitment to work with the Commonwealth and the private sector to develop the Moorebank intermodal site to increase the proportion of container movements carried by rail.
"This will support growth in container freight volumes and ultimately assist in reducing the growth in truck movements to and from the port precinct," Kilgariff said.
"It is imperative that the in-globo development of the precinct occurs as soon as possible so as to give effect to the Government's intention to increase the rail share of the freight load.
"ALC is also pleased the Government has recommitted its support of the Northern Sydney Freight Corridor, which will, in the long term, go towards offering a choice of mode as to how freight is transported into Sydney.
"It has also allowed some projects contained in the NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan, such as the proposed new M9 proposal, to be brought forward, allowing the Plan to come to life.
"ALC also commends the commitment of a further $43m to ease Sydney's pinch points and looks forward to working with the government to identifying and prioritising projects to be completed under the project."
