The Hon. Dr. Denis Napthine, Victorian Minister for Ports, will provide the keynote address at Waterfront Day during Freight Week 2011 at the Melbourne Park Function Centre on Tuesday, 6th September 2011.
“We are delighted that Minister Napthine will kick off this unique day of presentations from senior leading speakers in the Victorian ports and port-landside supply chain community,” said Philip Lovel AM, CEO of the Victorian Transport Association (VTA).
“Trade growth prospects for each of Victoria’s commercial ports are strong, but how will landside logistics chains cope in the future, including port interfaces with road & rail, and broader supply chain efficiencies?” Mr. Lovel asked.
“Trade growth is creating a whole range of challenges involving the capacity of port infrastructure, the people, systems and equipment to handle future freight volumes.”
Attendees at Waterfront Day will hear expert opinions and plans for tackling port-related freight challenges, including:
· Port of Melbourne – a shared port-city vision for supply chain efficiency;
· Stevedore perspective – Patrick and DP World on future operational efficiencies in container stevedoring in the Swanson / Dynon precinct;
· Shipowners perspective from Shipping Australia;
· Customs brokers & forwarders perspective;
· Regional trade perspective from the Ports of Geelong & Portland;
· Port Botany – what lessons can be learnt from the port landside strategy developments in NSW?;
· Improving the landside interfaces in the Port of Melbourne, including the future role of rail and a greater use of higher productivity freight vehicles;
· Improving productivity in the empty container management chain.
The new Victorian Government is setting clear policy directions for ports in Victoria, which have significant implications for industry participants in the future. This includes plans to develop the Port of Hastings as a future container port, as well as the possible relocation of the import / export car trade to the Port of Geelong.
In the short term, decisions are also necessary on improved port and landside infrastructure to accommodate increased freight demand in the Swanson / Dynon precinct, and at Webb Dock.
“Waterfront Day will address all of these vital issues,” Mr. Lovel concluded.
Freight Week 2011 is hosted by the Victorian Transport Association and the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce. Freight Week 2011 is being held from Monday 5th to Friday 9th September 2011 at the Melbourne Park Function Centre (Tennis Centre).
To find out more please visit www.freightweek.com.au