Pacific Highway road freight set to almost triple by 2029
A new report has found freight travelling from Sydney to Brisbane will almost triple by 2029, heightening the urgent need to complete the upgrade of the Pacific Highway to dual carriageway, Shadow Minister for North Coast Don Page said today.
Mr Page said the Sydney-Brisbane Corridor Strategy, jointly developed by the Federal, NSW and Queensland gvernments, found freight would increase to 17 million tonnes by 2029.
The report states on Page 22: “Freight on the Sydney to Brisbane corridor will almost triple over the period to 2029, rising from approximately seven million tonnes to approximately 17 million tonnes.”
Mr Page said: “These figures are of considerable concern and intensify the argument for the State and Federal governments to spend more on the Pacific Highway upgrade to ensure it is completed as soon as possible.
“Previous figures had estimated freight would double, but these latest figures show the increase is much greater than originally thought.
“Add to this survey results released by the NSW Business Chamber that show 83 per cent of businesses think the condition of the Pacific Highway is a deterrent for people considering a driving holiday on the North Coast.
“Delays in upgrading the Pacific Highway will adversely affect tourism in this region.
“In addition, the survey found 89 per cent of businesses believe the completion of the upgrade would act as a greater incentive for people to travel to the North Coast.
“If the Pacific Highway is seen to be dangerous, both due to inferior sections of road and increasing levels of freight, holiday-makers will choose to visit elsewhere.
“The Pacific Highway is a vital piece of transport infrastructure on the North Coast and the need to complete its upgrade as soon as possible is clear.”
