Opposition spokesman follows up on shipping line criticism last year about current congestion issues
March 6, 2012
Victorian shadow minister for Ports Tim Pallas is calling on the Baillieu Government to resolve capacity issues at the Port of Melbourne.
Pallas believes the government must stop “dithering”, saying its lack of action is threatening the port’s reputation as the nation’s leading port.
“Job growth industry will be put under further threat unless Ports Minister Dennis Napthine details overdue plans on how his government will deal with short to medium-term container capacity,” Pallas says.
“The container industry is calling out for the Baillieu Government to act and expand the Port of Melbourne facilities to ensure it can handle current shipments and future growth.”
He claims the government has failed to act despite shipping company ANL stating Melbourne is already at “crisis” point. “The Baillieu Government needs to stop dithering and start explaining how it will deal with these concerns.
“With the Port of Hastings now up to 15 years and $10 billion away from container handling capacity, Victorians need a solution now.”
ANL Managing Director John Lines had criticised both governments in October
for inaction on current congestion issues.