Port of Newcastle is utilising over 300 hectares of vacant lease land to expand its ability to import heavy and passenger vehicles, as it continues to progress its vehicle import strategy.
Several car carriers discharged passenger at heavy vehicles at the port over the Christmas and New Year period following its approval from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) as a first point of entry.
The tightening of biosecurity regulations relating to the importation of passenger vehicles to protect Australia from foreign pests and contaminants means customers across the country have means customers across Australia have experienced delays in receiving vehicles due to supply chain delays and quarantine requirements.
Port of Newcastle is only the second port in NSW to receive approval from DAFF to import foreign vehicles.
Executive Manager of Growth and Development at Port of Newcastle Kate McArthur says an expansion in the port’s ability to import vehicles is a key pillar of its growth strategy.
“With over 300 hectares of the Port’s lease land vacant, we are the only port on the east coast of Australia that can accommodate the needs of the industry at the scale required,” McArthur says.
“Vehicle imports is one of three strategic projects Port of Newcastle is focusing on, the others being a container terminal and clean energy precinct.
“We have been importing high and heavy (rail wagons, locomotives and excavators, for example) vehicles for many years, which is complemented by our superior access to the national road and rail networks and will deliver the same benefits to the broader automotive industry.”
Over 2500 passenger vehicles and parts and equipment for agricultural and mining equipment all passed through the port over a busy Christmas and New Year period, and Port of Newcastle Acting CEO Nick Livesey says the focus on vehicle imports is as a result of the needs of industry and consumers.
“The Productivity Commission and National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy both highlight the need for improved supply chain resilience across our ports and freight supply chain, and we are responding to those needs,” Livesey says.
“In recent years, Port of Newcastle received calls from shipping lines globally requesting they unload vehicles in Newcastle due to extensive waits to access their proposed destination.
“We didn’t have the approval to take vehicles then, but we do now and are ready to cater for the needs of the broader automotive industry, should it be passenger vehicles, agriculture or mining.”
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