Labor has released details of a $20 million funding package to help Tasmania’s exporters reach international markets
May 24, 2012
Labor has released details of a $20 million funding package to help Tasmania’s exporters reach international markets.
The package contains three key measures: direct and immediate assistance to Tasmanian exporters through a one-off payment; infrastructure improvements at Burnie Port to increase container handling capacity and efficiency; and the creation of a freight logistics coordination team with industry leadership.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Parliamentary Secretary Sid Sidebottom says the package will be welcome news for Tasmania’s exporters.
“These infrastructure improvements at the Port of Burnie are crucial, and recognise its importance as the major freight port in Tasmania,” Sidebottom says.
“The port will receive $4 million in federal infrastructure funding to increase container handling capacity and improve the movement of goods within the port, boosting efficiency and helping to lower costs for Tasmanian exporters.”
Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments have worked together on the package since March.
The package aims to address commercial realities facing Tasmanian exporters and the deficiencies in the State’s supply lines and transport infrastructure.
Federal MP Dick Adams says the package is badly needed in Tasmania’s export industries.
“This is a blueprint for Tasmania to address the need for better coordination of our road, rail and shipping sectors and to create more efficient links to the mainland and overseas to meet the needs of the State both now, and well into the future,” Adams says.