About Us

The Sea Freight Council of NSW is an industry driven forum, bringing together a wide membership of supply chain and logistics industry representatives engaged throughout the sea freight transport chain. The Council pursues work programmes aimed at collectively identifying and removing impediments to efficient, competitive and reliable freight logistics, thereby improving Australia's export competitiveness.

The Council is funded by the Commonwealth Government, the New South Wales Government and by industry in New South Wales. Stakeholders include:

	Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services
	New South Wales Department of State and Regional Development
	New South Wales Ministry of Transport
	Newcastle Port Corporation
	Port Kembla Port Corporation
	Sydney Ports Corporation
	State Chamber of Commerce (NSW)

The Council was established in December 1999. During its first five years of operation, the Council has achieved considerable success in identifying and removing, or contributing to the removal, of impediments across the supply chain.

Objective

The prime objective of Council is to identify logistics impediments and constraints which adversely impact on supply/demand chain performance in respect of the export/import task, particularly as it relates to NSW but also embracing the national task.

Terms of Reference

• To identify impediments in the supply chain in NSW which adversely impact on exports (and imports) transported internationally by sea freight, and having identified those impediments work towards removing them with the resources involved with the Council and other resources as appropriate.
• To undertake research necessary to assist proactive decision making to remove impediments in the supply chain; also relevant research in support of the Australian Logistics Industry Council.
• To work closely with other organisations involved with sea freight (e.g. Shipping Australia, Port Authorities, exporter bodies) to clearly identify the most appropriate forum to tackle problem solving of impediments affecting the supply chain to ensure best possible cooperation and cross fertilisation across the broad industry, and importantly to avoid duplication. An important element to the success of the Council is to develop alliances and collaboration with other organisations involved with supply chain management and with Council stakeholders.
• In conjunction with the NSW Department of State and Regional Development (and any other relevant organisation) to establish a proactive and objective profile in rural and regional areas as well as metropolitan areas so that sea freight exporters and importers and any other bodies associated with the supply chain can readily relate with and have confidence in the Council as a problem solving forum.
• To work with the Australian Logistics Council and governments in the implementation of the strategy as it relates to supply chain management.
• To promote education and training programmes relevant to increased awareness and efficiency in the supply chain always being aware of what programmes are already in place (e.g. Australian Institute of Export, Shipping Australia) to ensure the most cohesive approach to the subject.
• To develop a proactive public relations programme to promote awareness of the Council and its commitment to the solution and removal of supply chain impediments as well as its association with the Australian Logistics Council.

Structure

The Executive Committee is responsible for the direction of the Council, both in respect of administration and financial matters, as well as policy direction and approval of projects and work plans. Membership is limited to stakeholders who have the discretion to invite other members as appropriate.The Executive Committee meets regularly.

The Council is responsible for the facilitation of resources to contribute positively to successful outcomes of the SFC work. Membership is encouraged from senior executives who represent key areas of activity in the freight logistics chain and who can be influential in contributing time and effort to successful outcomes. The Council continues to meet regularly.

Working Groups/Steering Committees are usually established from the membership on an ad hoc basis to concentrate on specific areas of activity within a broad descriptive band and to provide overview on specific projects.