The NSW Government announced on Tuesday afternoon that it is moving to boost freight efficiency to help keep goods moving and reduce pressure on fuel supply in the state, saying that it is working closely with the Commonwealth and other states under the new National Fuel Security Plan.
These measures, which are In line with Level 2 of the “Keeping Australia Moving Plan”, will increase access to the road network for larger trucks that can carry more goods in a single trip, and ease restrictions on operating hours.
The State government sys this will help move more goods with fewer trips and less fuel, keeping vital supply routes running across NSW, especially to regional communities.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said that the conflict in the Middle East is disrupting global fuel supply and driving up prices, and that’s being felt here in NSW.
“By allowing larger trucks and extending operating hours, we can move more goods around the state with fewer trips and less fuel.,” said Premier Minns.
“This is about acting early, working with the industry and making sure our supply chains stay strong,” the Premier added.
It said that the National Fuel Security Plan maps out a staged, coordinated approach across all levels of government to support Australians in response to the unprecedented shock to global oil and gas supply.
The NSW Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said fuel continues to arrive in Australia but we know that distribution challenges mean we’re seeing localised petrol and diesel shortages.
“In a time of global uncertainty, these actions are sensible and support our communities and industries by keeping supply chains running, especially in regional areas,” Sharpoe said.
“Taking action now means better fuel availability for people across NSW,” she added.
it went on to say that while fuel continues to arrive in Australia and overall supply remains stable, it’s the responsibility of all governments to plan for every scenario.
The Government says that new measures include adjusting load limits to freight to allow for bigger and longer freight to travel on our road network, and where applicable to allow more freight to travel, load and unload at night, while providing for flexibility for hours of operation and curfews.
The longer trucks will use at least 18 per cent less diesel per ton of payload and can carry 33 per cent more additional freight.
These temporary measures will ensure freight can continue to move safely and efficiently, keeping essential goods flowing to communities and businesses across NSW.
Efforts to monitor, forecast and manage fuel shortages are ongoing at the Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre in Parramatta, in collaboration with industry partners and national stakeholders.
Meanwhile minister for Transport John Graham said that these changes are about keeping goods moving across NSW, especially to regional communities.
“By allowing larger trucks and extending operating hours, we can move more with less fuel,” Graham said.
“It’s a practical step to support supply chains and ease pressure on the system,” he added.
