Region to surge as industry experts share road, rail and air logistics advice

Experts from across Australia will converge on Toowoomba this month for the Toowoomba Transport and Logistics Symposium to highlight changes and opportunity brought by road, rail and air freight services.

The three-day TTLS will offer delegates a chance to explore the changing landscape in freight, logistics and supply-chain processes.

With trend analysts, mayors from major transport hub regions, and proponents of major projects and assets, TTLS will offer companies in resources, renewables, agriculture a strong understanding for the coming years.

Toowoomba, with a $13billion projected development spend and extensive freight options being built and utilized, is the ideal geographical location to host the national conference.

Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) Chief Operating Officer Peter Keyte will share insights into PBPL’s operations as Queensland’s largest multi-cargo port, in particular its focus on connecting the regions to the port.

Mr Keyte said “The Port of Brisbane greatly values its relationships with the growers and producers of this region. We’ll continue to work closely with them to ensure their product can efficiently and quickly get to global markets”.

TSBE executive chairman Shane Charles said the conference aimed to ensure from a planning and strategic perspective that the region was positioned in the best possible light to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

“There is no doubt given our strategic location that transport and logistics will be a main driver of our economy in the future,” Mr Charles said.

“The Queensland Government predicts that the annual freight volumes across Queensland are forecast to increase by 76 per cent from 881 million tonnes in 2009 –10 to 1,550 million tonnes by 2021.”

“As such it is important for us to lead the way in understanding the issues affecting the sector by attracting world class speakers to come and present.”

Nexus Infrastructure CEO John Hagan will detail the company’s innovative projects around the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing $1.6billion build, due for completion late 2018.

Graincorp Development Manager – QLD Kevin Doggett will join a panel of rail users exploring freight movements.

Parkes Shire Mayor and Chair of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Alliance, Cr Ken Keith OAM will speak on the project, highlighting the huge potential that will be made available.

Trend analyst and futurist Mark McCrindle joins the conference as well as Logistics Bureau director Malcolm Walker.

The 2017 TTLS, hosted by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, follows the highly successful 2015 event.

TTLS is held from Monday, February 27 until Wednesday, March 1.

For more information and to book tickets visit ttlsymposium.com.au.

Photo: Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) Chief Operating Officer Peter Keyte