Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has invited industry and the public to have their say on the draft South West Supply Chain (SWSC) Strategy while visiting Bunbury today.
The SWSC Strategy will identify future road, rail, air and port infrastructure requirements in the South West region for the next 10-15 years, focusing on key freight supply chains in the region servicing alumina/bauxite, lithium, caustic soda, timber, grain, agribusiness, mineral sands, copper concentrate and container freight.
The recommendations and initiatives in the draft SWSC Strategy are the result of research, supply chain mapping and stakeholder consultation and are based on current network constraints and anticipated future freight volumes generated in the South-West region.
The release of the draft South West Supply Chain Strategy also coincides with the finalisation of another important regional freight strategy - the Revitalising Agricultural Region Freight (RARF) Strategy - which was also released today.
Comments on the draft South West Supply Chain (SWSC) Strategy close on Friday August 21 and can be provided at http://www.mysaytransport.wa.gov.au/southwestsupplychainstrategy
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"In the last few months we have been reminded just how crucial freight supply chains are in ensuring we all have the food and supplies needed for our day-to-day lives.
"The South-West region plays an integral role in our State's economy handling large volumes of bulk exports associated with mining, agriculture and forestry.
"The draft South West Supply Chain Strategy identifies and prioritises future road, rail, air and port infrastructure requirements in the South-West region and establishes a framework and direction for future freight transport related investment in the region for the next 10-15 years.
"The infrastructure improvements detailed in the SWSC Strategy aim to facilitate improved freight productivity and safety, and will help position the South West supply chains for growth into the future, supporting local jobs and businesses."
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"Comprehensive planning for future transport and supply chain needs is vital if we are to maintain our competitive advantages for new and existing industry in the South-West region.
"This strategic planning will support the long term economic growth of our region, encourage investment and ensure there is a steady growth in the jobs available to our community.
"We know we need to attract new industries, like advanced manufacturing, to our region to create economic and employment opportunities and the only way we can achieve that is to ensure the infrastructure needed by industry to succeed is readily available."
