Discussion paper: Port of Geelong well-placed for future relocation of car trade
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Relocating the roll-on roll-off car trade from Webb Dock in Melbourne to the Port of Geelong would significantly cut traffic crossing the Westgate Bridge and deliver thousands of jobs to Geelong, according to a discussion paper released by the Victorian Government.
Minister for Ports Denis Napthine was at Cunningham Pier yesterday to officially launch the paper, which he said was an important step forward in potentially relocating the car trade to Geelong.
The paper reveals more than 400,000 vehicles were imported or exported from Melbourne last year and this number is expected to triple over the next four decades.
"Together with an increase in container movements and land constraints around the Port of Melbourne, this poses some major issues for how we manage Victorian freight logistics into the future.
"The paper identifies a number of significant advantages associated with shifting the roll-on roll-off trade to the Port of Geelong, including freeing up large parcels of land around the Port of Melbourne and potentially slashing Westgate Bridge truck movements for vehicle deliveries by up to 50 per cent," Dr Napthine said.
A move to Geelong would also be a massive boost for the local community with the discussion paper finding the increase in ship visits would 'drive economic development in the region'. This means thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in investment that would directly benefit Geelong and the surrounding area.
In addition to this, the paper identifies Geelong as being well-placed to take Victoria's import and export car trade with its suitable berths, back up land capacity and strong links to road and rail transport.
Submissions regarding the Relocating motor Vehicle importing and exporting to Geelong discussion paper will be open until the end of September with the full feasibility study to be considered by the Coalition Government in early 2012.
"The Government is committed to effectively managing the Victorian freight industry and will carefully plan for the increased shipping volumes to ensure a sustainable future for our ports," Dr Napthine said.
