Australia’s civilian freight networks and Defence logistics should be planned together to strengthen supply routes serving Western Australia and the Northern Territory, according to the Western Australian Transport Industry Association (WATIA).
The association says increasingly frequent disruptions to long-distance freight corridors are threatening supplies to communities and businesses, while driving up transport costs.
Defence’s growing focus on northern Australia adds another dimension to the challenge, with military operations increasingly relying on the same routes connecting the north with the industrial heartland in the south.
WATIA CEO Cam Dumesny said coordinated planning could deliver benefits for both commercial freight and national defence.
“These challenges should not be considered separately. Australia has an opportunity to develop transport, freight and logistics capability that strengthens civilian supply-chain resilience while also supporting Defence when needed,” Mr Dumesny said.
A former long-serving Army logistics officer, Mr Dumesny is also a director of a Western Australian Defence industry manufacturer and exporter.
Three jurisdictions share the challenge
WATIA’s coordination effort focuses on the freight triangle connecting Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Ahead of the high-risk wet season, the association scheduled an online briefing, bringing together industry, emergency services, road and rail agencies and national bodies to improve coordination when critical routes are disrupted.
The initiative builds on work within Western Australia through the WA Supply Chain group, established and led by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
WATIA is also encouraging Defence to participate, helping it understand the operational challenges faced by transport businesses and agencies responsible for keeping these regions supplied.
For heavy vehicle operators, the issue extends beyond individual road closures. Disrupted corridors can affect vehicle availability, delivery schedules and the capacity to maintain essential freight services across vast distances.
Nordic approach under examination
WATIA has commissioned a joint industry and university study into how Nordic countries design logistics systems and infrastructure to support both civilian and Defence requirements.
The study will examine whether a similar approach could strengthen Australia’s most vulnerable freight regions.
It will also consider whether investment could generate local economic opportunities, adding a broader commercial benefit to the case for funding.
The approach raises a practical question for infrastructure planning: could investment in freight capability support everyday community and business needs while also providing capacity for Defence when required?
Defence growth creates work for transport operators
Alongside the resilience challenge, WATIA sees opportunities for transport and logistics businesses from AUKUS-related activity and investment in northern Defence bases and supporting infrastructure.
Freight demand is expected during construction and throughout the ongoing operation of expanded facilities.
For operators, this could create opportunities beyond individual building projects, with continuing requirements to move supplies and equipment.
WATIA is working to help Western Australian businesses understand Defence requirements and position themselves to participate in its supply chain. This includes direct engagement with Defence and former senior Defence officers.
The association says it will continue working with industry and governments across Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory to identify practical opportunities for coordinated investment.
For heavy vehicle fleets serving these regions, that coordination could help build more dependable freight corridors while opening access to a growing Defence logistics market.
