Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has presented the Coalition Government's plan on how to provide certainty for the freight and logistics sector in Victoria, which generated $19-$23 billion in revenue and thousands of jobs for the state economy. Titled 'Victoria – The Freight State', the plan is meant maintain and increase Victoria’s competitive edge as Australia’s freight and logistics capital.
“Victoria truly is the freight and logistics capital of Australia,” said Napthine. “The Port of Melbourne is the nation’s largest container and general cargo port while the Port of Geelong and Port of Portland also delivered record trade figures in 2011-12.
“Growing our competitive edge in freight is critical to Victoria’s economy. The Coalition Government understands that having access to an efficient freight network is absolutely vital for businesses and jobs that rely on exporting and importing their products,” he added.
“This is why the Coalition Government is committed to major infrastructure projects that will improve Victoria’s freight network for decades to come: the East West Link, $1.6 billion expansion of the Port of Melbourne and the development of the Port of Hastings.
“We are also committed to the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel, which will free up freight capacity in Victoria’s East which will particularly benefit the new international container facility at the Port of Hastings.”
Victoria's Minister for Ports David Hodgett said the freight and logistics sector is a critical foundation for Victoria’s wealth, accounting for as much as 15 per cent of the economy. “The Coalition Government worked closely with industry in developing a holistic plan and will continue to work closely to ensure the direction we take is one that provides long term sustainable growth.
“Container trade is expected to quadruple by 2050, and through decisive action now, the Port of Melbourne expansion and Port of Hastings development will deliver the infrastructure and space needed to accommodate our growing export businesses.
“Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs are among the fastest growing areas in Australia so it makes sense to establish a port that will support this large and growing freight base in the East.”
According to the Victorian Minister for Public Transport and Roads, Terry Mulder, the new plan puts freight firmly on the agenda and will build on the future vision for cross city solutions such as the East West Link and the Melbourne Metro rail tunnel.
“'Victoria – The Freight State' incorporates major new East West and orbital road and rail links to support the movement of freight between major gateways and freight generating and consuming areas,” said Mulder. “These new links will also support the progressive decentralisation of heavy freight activities away from the central city area to the periphery of Melbourne, freeing land for redevelopment opportunities in inner areas.
“Another priority within the plan will be to develop the South East Rail Link (SERL) proposal, which would provide a dedicated rail freight link between Dandenong and Dynon, opening up huge potential for export businesses in Eastern Victoria. Overall, Victoria – The Freight State provides a blueprint that will allow businesses to expand and continue to grow. That’s great news for Victorian jobs and great news for the Victorian economy.”
