FREIGHT OPERATORS PAYING THE PRICE FOR BLUE MOUNTAINS CLOSURE
Road Frieght NSW
Peak body Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) is calling for direct financial support from the NSW Government for freight operators facing mounting costs as a result of the ongoing closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass.
RFNSW Chief Executive Officer Simon O’Hara said trucking businesses were spending hundreds of dollars more on individual trips due to lengthy detours, increased fuel use, additional driver hours and higher operating costs.
“Freight operators have no choice but to keep moving,” he said.
“They’re delivering essential goods, servicing regional communities and keeping supply chains running, but they’re doing it at a significant additional cost to their operations.
“Many operators are now spending hundreds of extra dollars every time a truck is sent across the Mountains.”
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Vellex Group of Companies Austin Vella said the Highway closure was adding a minimum $120 to every one-way semi-trailer trip along the Great Western Highway.
"This is at a minimum, and if you include the additional wear and tear on the vehicle and the driver, everything comes at a cost,” Mr Vella said.
“We are having a bloody tough time at the moment. Life on the road is hard enough and we need to make it simpler for everyone.
Mr Vella said assistance in the form of a stimulus payment would make operating a lot less stressful.
“Right now people are receiving their goods and everything seems fine, but the industry is heading in the wrong direction - and we cannot make a living with all our overhead costs.”
RFNSW welcomed the NSW Government’s support package for small businesses announced by Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin, but said grants of up to $10,000 would not reflect the losses being experienced by many transport operators.
“The package acknowledges the impact the closure is having on local small businesses, but many freight businesses are not local, yet impacted severely by this closure and for them, the costs have already far exceeded $10,000,” Mr O’Hara said.
“If funding is limited, there is a reasonable argument for ensuring additional support is directed to those businesses experiencing the greatest financial impact.”
Mr O’Hara said the ongoing disruption reinforced RFNSW’s call for the NSW and Federal Governments to work together on both immediate support measures and long-term freight resilience.
“RFNSW again calls on the NSW and Federal Governments to work together on a long-term solution, including progressing a second crossing and putting all viable options back on the table.
“Transport for NSW figures show more than 11,400 vehicles travel through Mount Victoria each day, with heavy vehicles making up 22 per cent of traffic.
“Those numbers highlight just how important this corridor is to freight, industry and regional communities.
“Governments cannot continue to treat the Great Western Highway as a local issue - it requires a coordinated commitment from both the NSW and Australian Governments to deliver the long-term infrastructure the state needs.”
About us:
About Road Freight NSW
Originating in 1893, Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) is the peak industry organisation for the road and freight industry in NSW and engages in advocacy, government and media relations on behalf of members.
Contact details:
RFNSW media contact: Morgan Clark 0427 994 521