The performance of the transport and logistics system has a major impact on costs, service quality and competitiveness in Australian industry.
Transport and logistics constitutes approximately 14.5 per cent of Australian GDP or $130 billion dollars annually – in South Australia it is estimated to be even more important at over 17 per cent of gross state product.
Improving the freight and logistics industry in South Australia, including the movement of goods to urban, intrastate, interstate, and overseas markets across all modes of transport, is critical for the food sector.
In particular, improvement in South Australia’s and Australia’s perishable food export cold chain logistics supply chain performance is critical if the state is to meet and outperform competition from other countries’ supply chains. Maintaining cold chain integrity is often described as a logistical nightmare because of the many people involved in shipping products. The more points at which goods move between different handlers means more points in the process at which perishable items can be exposed to temperatures that could cause spoilage However, getting it right will help improve South Australia’s competitiveness in Australian industry, and boost SA’s market access interstate and overseas.
Who can help?
Several industry organisations work with the Government of South Australia to develop and improve transport options for producers and growers in South Australia.
South Australian Freight Council
The South Australian Freight Council (SAFC) is the peak industry body, working with State Government to identify key freight logistics issues for South Australia, and developing solutions for them. Its members are drawn from all industry sectors along the supply chain, ranging from buyers and users of freight to freight service providers and Government. It covers all transport modes and activities – road, rail, sea, air – and storage as well as the interactions between these transport modes.
Australian Transport Council
Commonwealth, State and Territory government representatives work together as the Australian Transport Council (ATC) to coordinate all the transport and road safety policy issues across Australia.
Its members are working towards Australia having an excellent transport system, with seamless interaction between road, rail, air and sea – and between domestic and international transport.
The ATC is made up of ministers from the Australian Commonwealth, State and Territory governments and the government of New Zealand who are responsible for transport matters. The Australian Local Government Association and Papua-New Guinea’s responsible transport minister also have formal observer status on the Council.
Heavy vehicles
The National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme assist with vehicle configurations and notices, inspections, supply chain compliance and enforcement and Safe-T-Cam cameras and travel times.
Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) plays a major role in developing the State’s transport strategies and logistics, as well as licensing and training
Cold chain and quality
Coolant calculator and other tools for cold chain quality control from the South Australian Freight Council.
Food transport vehicles
A sample guide for suitability of vehicles for food transport from the City of Playford based on the Food Safety standards.
INSERT INFO ON TOLL SPONSOSHIP
Food SA has a number of service provider members who can assist you:
