Drought pain sees search for extra cargo services for region
SCT is looking for two-way traffic, at least, between the port of Melbourne and Horsham as the ongoing drought crimps exports.
The intermodal operator, which has had an export facility at the western Victorian town operational since 2013, is finding conditions particularly difficult at present, seeks to gauge interest in import traffic at a public meeting.
“Unfortunately, as this business is climate driven this season due to the drought our volumes will not reach sustainable budgeted commercial expectations,” the firm announces.
“SCT Group has never adopted a ‘take or pay, minimum volume position’ on our exporters and valued clients.
“During this challenging period, we are seeking your assistance to rise to achieve a sustainable commercial position.
“Wimmera Container Line (part of SCT Group) currently employ 40 full time employees [which] also contributes to the broader Dooen and Horsham region.
“In addition, this operation provides 120 multiplier employments opportunities to the region from local cafes, service management, property maintenance, fuel suppliers and all other industry ancillaries required to support rail head operations in the region.
“Historically we have only focused on exports to the Port. With your support we are keen to explore rail to and from the ports for imports and exports but also the introduction of an interstate rail line haul network connecting the region to SCT Group rail heads located in Perth, SA, Wodonga, and Brisbane.”
Read how the Horsham link was viewed at the last such event, here
Horsham hosts the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal (WIFT) at Dooen, which has received significant public and private investment to set up.
Until recently, the Horsham facility has seen excellent growth, starting off with 10,978 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of containers in 2013 growing to 18,182 TEU three years later.
SCT says all containers have been delivered on time-on vessel.
The meeting – featuring speakers from SCT, Port of Melbourne Corporation, Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and Horsham Council – is to be held on May 28.