The Victorian Freight and Logistics Council (VFLC) is meeting with local businesses and industry in Mildura today
April 13, 2011
The Victorian Freight and Logistics Council (VFLC) is meeting with local businesses and industry in Mildura today.
Hosted by Mildura mayor John Arnold and councillors, 19 VFLC representatives will discuss local freight priorities and requirements to gain an understanding of Mildura’s particular freight tasks.
According to VFLC Chair John Begley, Mildura is of great significance to Victoria’s export effort.
“Being on the border of three states means Mildura businesses and people are very self-reliant and determined,” Begley says.
“In addition, Mildura really experiences the brunt of inconsistent state-based business and transport regulation.”
Recognising transport and logistics operates across state borders,
the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) is currently proposing a shift to national reguation to facilitate productivity gains across the sectors.
Begley argues Mildura has much to gain from these reforms.
“The City (of Mildura)
has experienced many challenges in its past and present – from rabbit plagues, drought and now flood, not to mention the high Australian dollar and stiff international competition,” he says.
“The region generates a great deal of wealth for Australia,” Begley adds.
“So many local people are involved in export industries such as food manufacturing that the linkage between efficient transport operations and viability is very clearly understood.”
“Today we will be meeting with industry, business and community leaders who are looking forward to some recovery in the coming 12 months.
“The transport and logistics industry must focus on how it can move goods and people to support the economy and lifestyle of Mildura and its region.”
The VFLC is funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments to provide advice on issues relevant to the movement of goods and to act as a conduit between industry and government.
The Council takes a long term strategic viewpoint.
For many of its members, senior industry figures who own or move goods, the Council is a great opportunity to take a broader view and to provide “real world” advice to government.
For government, it is a sounding board on policy, strategy and understanding the impact of global and domestic trends.
Usually, the VFLC meets outside of Melbourne once each year. However on Thursday May 26, VFLC return to Mildura for
a Transport and Logistics Workforce Roadshow. .
Held at the Alfred Deakin Centre, Deakin Avenue between
9.00 to 2.00 pm, the roadshow will focus on workforce needs.
“This session will spend more time with businesses providing transport including bus lines, trucking and aviation, and logistics such as warehousing,” Begley says.
“As this sector is experiencing strong growth and an ageing workforce, we need to train up local young people and people poorly represented in our industry, to deliver your goods and transport services.”
line at www.vflc.com.au.