Trade at the Port of Geelong increased almost 35 percent last financial year
September 1, 2011
Trade at the Port of Geelong increased almost 35 percent last financial year, according to the Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VCRA) annual report.
The total throughput at the port went from 10.6 million tonnes in 2009-10 to 14.2 million tonnes in 2010-11.
While grain exports increased more than 400 percent, other main cargos handled at the port have contributed to the bumper year.
The VCRA annual report shows that bulk liquid imports and exports including petroleum products, crude oil, sulphuric acid and bitumen were up by 13 percent, with fertiliser also rising by 75 percent.
Victorian Minister for Ports and Regional Cities Denis Napthine says it is fantastic news for Victoria’s second largest commercial port and Geelong residents.
“According to a 2010 economic impact of the Port of Geelong report, the port creates more than 1,100 jobs and adds about $310 million to the local economy every year,” he says.
Napthine says the government is focused on securing greater growth and development at the precinct and is currently collecting submissions on a proposal to relocate the roll-on roll-off car trade from Webb Dock in Melbourne to the Port of Geelong.
The government will consider the results of the full feasibility study in early next year.
