Kilgariff joins observers concerned at tenor of pre-election political debate
Australian Logistics Council (ALC) managing director Michael Kilgariff has emphasised the need for policy stability following next month’s Victorian election.
In a speech that echoes the views of those worried publically and privately about mixed signals regarding transport infrastructure priorities, Kilgariff calls for directions agreed previously by major parties to be adhered to.
“Whichever party wins the state election, ALC is seeking long-term policy certainty to support business confidence and to facilitate investment in logistics facilities,” Kilgariff tells the Industrial Estates and Business Parks Conference this week.
“In particular, industry seeks stability in relation to the critical issue of freight planning, which by its very nature needs to be both long-term and strategic to provide the industry with the surety it needs to make business decisions with confidence.
“For example, whoever assumes office should follow through on the actions of the state freight and logistics strategy.”
Noting the current Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan does not differ substantially from that which was developed under shadow treasurer and former transport minister Tim Pallas, Kilgariff underlines the industry’s need for stability before it can undertake its own investments.
He reiterates the ALC’s position on a joint parliamentary committee to oversee the roll-out of the freight and logistics plan along with its support for the East-West Link project “to ensure we continue to achieve maximum efficiencies from the Port of Melbourne in the short to medium term”.
On the siting of the state’s second container port, it is “critical we do the necessary research now to ensure we maximise its value well into future”.
The ALP has pledged to set up an independent Infrastructure Victoria to examine major projects such as the second port if it wins office. But it has put a cloud over the future of the East-West Link and raised the Bay West option for the second port instead of Hastings, which it had backed when in government.