Logistics & distribution
Sustained growth in the manufacturing and resource sectors has created excellent opportunities for logistics, transport and warehousing providers. Brisbane is the ideal logistics location offering unequalled infrastructure, strategic location, land availability and significant labour advantages.
The existing infrastructure network in Brisbane is world-class and its future is exceptional. With a long-term commitment to infrastructure delivery, the Queensland Infrastructure Plan identifies an estimated $134 billion (AUD) worth of infrastructure investment for Brisbane and the surrounding region. Designed to manage ongoing growth, the program represents the largest public infrastructure spending initiative in Australian history.
With a highly-skilled workforce, excellent links to southern markets and quick access to the grazing, agricultural and resources centres of central Queensland – Ipswich and its surrounding areas are fast-becoming the logistics hot spot for national carriers and distribution centres. The South East Queensland Regional Plan has determined this western corridor will be the fastest-growing precinct, in the fastest-growing region of Australia.
As the global trend to shorten supply chains continues, Brisbane offers fast access to national and international markets. Direct air and shipping links to all key Asian ports, means major Asian destinations can be reached by air in seven to nine hours. Continuing this efficiency, firms locating in Brisbane have unique access to land and property in transport locations near the Brisbane Airport, Port of Brisbane, and domestic trade routes south and north via the Pacific and Cunningham Highways, along with standard gauge freight rail from the Brisbane Port to all capital cities in Australia.
Opportunities
Distribution and warehouse
This sector has achieved substantial growth, primarily as a result of servicing the growing manufacturing sector. Many national and international companies have chosen the Greater Brisbane region for major national distribution centres. Spearheading this growth are bulky goods retailers.
Companies in the Brisbane market include:
- API – a publicly listed pharmaceutical wholesaler and retailer.
- Schneider Electric – a global electrical goods wholesaler.
- The Reject Shop – an Australia-wide low cost retailer.
Logistics providers
A growing population in Queensland means a larger customer base and an increased need for products to be transported and stored. Third party providers are in great demand as manufacturers concentrate on core capabilities and outsource services such as warehousing and cold storage. Operators can take advantage of favourable operating conditions, such as the city’s excellent transport infrastructure and easy access to international and domestic markets.
Companies in the Brisbane market include:
- Linfox – one of the largest privately-owned supply chain solutions companies in the Asia-Pacific region.
- SCT Logistics – a provider of national, multi-modal transport and logistics solutions.
- Toll Transport – one of the largest transport companies operating in Queensland.
Competitive advantages
The existing infrastructure network in Brisbane is world-class. Australia TradeCoast is Australia’s most integrated trade precinct, combining both the Port of Brisbane and Airport. The Brisbane Port Authority provides high-class technology and logistics and acts as an interface between container terminals and road and rail, and the Brisbane International and Domestic Airports operate curfew-free.
Brisbane is in a position to offer fast access to national and international markets. The city’s direct air and shipping links to all major Asian ports means major Asian destinations can be reached by air in seven to nine hours.
Operationally, back loading transport costs typically apply from Brisbane and can be 40 to 60 per cent less than transport rates to Brisbane. Labour costs and associated costs such as payroll tax are generally lower than in other Australian capital cities, and labour agreements are the least restrictive in the country. The city also boasts a strong labour market for experienced technicians and semi-skilled staff.
Unlike other major Australian cities, firms locating in Brisbane have a unique opportunity to access land and property in key transport locations near the Brisbane Airport and Port of Brisbane and within 20 kilometres of the Brisbane central business district. The Australia TradeCoast precinct has 1,300 hectares of industrial land available close to both the port and airport.