Ports Industry Roundtable Update (VNF 2020/001)

The Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight, Hon Melissa Horne MP, invited the CBFCA along with other key industry Associations and stakeholders to attend yesterday's (Thursday 30 January 2020)  roundtable discussion on Victorian port and freight priorities.

Victoria is growing faster than any other state in Australia. With population growth comes the need for an unprecedented focus on moving goods around our state and to and from our ports.

To ensure the sustainable future of our freight sector, the Victorian Government is planning for better freight connections to drive the success of businesses, primary producers and the entire supply chain that supports our economy.

The Victorian Government is progressing a number of ports and freight initiatives, which are in different stages of delivery and development.

At the roundtable, update was provided on the progress of the following initiatives:

• Victorian Government vision for ports and freight as part of the freight plan
• On dock rail investment at Port of Melbourne
• Deloitte preliminary findings and policy recommendations to inform the Port of Melbourne Port Pricing and Access Review

The Port of Melbourne also welcomed the Government’s support of the new $125million Port Rail Transformation Project to reduce truck movements, improve productivity and further enhance the port. The port’s rail solution will be developed over the next three years and will see more containers moved by rail more efficiently, by-passing roads in inner Melbourne.

For more information refer to below Media Releases and news links.

More freight on rail to ease congestion and pollution in Melbourne's West.

Full Steam Ahead For On-Dock Rail

Port Rail Transformation Project proposed amendment to Reference Tariff Schedule

The event provided an opportunity for industry to contribute and discuss with the Minister ways in which the State Government and industry can work together to deliver enhanced outcomes for all.

Zoran Kostadinoski
Head of Border and Biosecurity
Regional Manager VIC | TAS | SA, CBFCA