Shaping Future Of Port Of Melbourne

  • Minister for Ports and Freight

The Andrews Labor Government is exploring ways to move freight more efficiently and get trucks off local roads by investing in the first Port of Melbourne Container Logistics Chain Study in more than a decade.

The study will be conducted by the Port of Melbourne operators and will better inform industry and the government on the container supply chain and the transport networks that underpin it.

The information will support policy and investment decisions as Victoria prepares for an expected 900 million tonne increase in freight volumes by 2051.

The study will examine the port’s container flow, trends and changes since the last study in 2009, and the impact and nature of growth in container volumes.

Data from the last study was used to assess the freight benefits of key projects including the West Gate Tunnel project and the planned intermodal freight precinct at Truganina.

The Port of Melbourne contributes $6 billion to Victoria’s economy each year, with a total trade volume of 97 million revenue tonnes in 2018-19.

Earlier this year the Victorian Government approved a proposal to get more freight onto rail at the Port of Melbourne through a $125 million investment in on-dock rail by the port operators.

As stated by Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne

“With Victoria growing rapidly so it’s more vital than ever that we have the detailed information we need to plan for the future.”

“The knowledge gained from this study will help us get more freight onto trains and off local roads.”

As stated by Port of Melbourne CEO Brendan Bourke

“We know from stakeholder feedback that the 2009 study has greatly assisted government and industry during the past decade in its business planning and investment decisions.”

“We all need reliable information to support our organisations’ future directions, as well as our collective efforts to ensure our industry continues to underpin the state’s economy and competitive edge.”

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