Transport specialists will be in Mackay for the 2010 Freight Summit

Freight transport specialists, Government authorities and local operators will convene in Mackay next week for the 2010 Freight Summit.

Mackay Regional Council is holding the one day summit at the MECC on Thursday, October 28, to hear from specialists in the industry about the needs of the long term freight industry to accommodate our growing community.

The Mackay region is one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland with an annual growth rate of around three per cent and rapid growth projected over the next twenty years, almost doubling the population and traffic.

Planning and Development portfolio councillor Diane Hatfield said it’s important that we facilitate a debate between various stakeholders and organisations to help the freight industry accommodate this growth.

“We need to start brainstorming and put in place effective plans for the future so our freight industry and our community do not suffer.”

“The freight industry keeps us moving. They provide us with our fruit and vegetables, household goods, office supplies and building equipment. They are also vital in the region’s mining support services.”

The one day summit will bring together key representatives from a selected group of State Agencies in a collaborative environment, to exchange ideas, establish principles and guidelines and debate potential solutions in an interactive forum.

Presentations will be made by industry operators, Government regulators and council officers and will be supported by a specialist facilitator. A series of workshops will be held in the afternoon to examine possible solutions and changes that could be made to the current operational concerns of the freight industry.

Cr Hatfield said she is looking forward to hearing from and working with local operators and Government regulators.

“No one knows the freight industry better than the people who work in the industry day in and day out. Council wants to hear from these people and work with the freight industry to help put in place effective plans for Mackay.”

For more information or to take part in the 2010 Freight Summit please contact Yevonne Sullivan on (07) 4961 9129 by COB Monday, October 25. Seats are limited.

Contact: Melissa Dunn

Phone: 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529)