Efficient freight networks are an important part of the supply chain in Western Australia as long distances may be a factor in production and distribution.
The freight task is diverse, and encompasses the movement of bulk export commodities, manufactured goods and the transport of finished products for household consumption. The transport of bulk export commodities, such as iron ore and wheat, dominates the regional rail freight task.
Road transport is the main mode of transport for the majority of commodities produced or consumed in Western Australia. Over 95 per cent of Australia’s road freight is carried in heavy vehicles including articulated trucks.
Sea freight is used in the majority for export and import however the
Freight and Logistics Council of Western Australia has identified coastal shipping in-bound to the Pilbara as an attractive alternative to land transport.
Air freight is a significant component of Western Australia’s air service sector. The current $750 million redevelopment of Perth Airport and upgrade of the transport network are driven by the expected doubling of passenger air travel and freight, and a 30 per cent increase in Perth’s population by 2031.
The Western Australian Government has recently published an overall strategy to meet the expected increase in freight task in the
Western Australian Regional Freight Transport Network Plan.