Open a ‘ blue highway’

PORTS Australia says Townsville will benefit if the Federal Government changes domestic shipping legislation.

Australia’s peak maritime body, Ports Australia, has said that port communities across the country, including Townsville, could benefit from an impending freight tsunami if the Federal Government changes domestic shipping legislation.

Ports Australia chief execu- tive officer Mike Gallacher said the domestic freight task was tipped to double by 2030.

“We as a country need to be ready both for the challenges and opportunities,” he said.

“That is why we have commissioned Deloitte Access Economics to explore the role ports can play in lifting the freight burden, increasing Australia’s competitiveness and reducing costs for Australian consumers and businesses.

“This freight task presents great challenges and opportunities for Australia. Our cities must deal with growing congestion, our rail will be stretched to capacity and our highways will have more trucks than ever before.”

Port of Townsville chief executive officer Ranee Crosby said they supported the work of Ports Australia to paint a clearer picture of domestic freight transport in Australia.

“Moving freight by sea has significant safety and environ- mental benefits, and is particularly important in Queensland given the vast distance between Brisbane and regional centres, where coastal shipping can save time and cost as well as improving resilience in the face of natural disasters,” she said.

Mr Gallacher said ports attracted economic activity.

“For places like Townsville that means more investment, more business and more jobs,” he said.

“We have to start thinking smarter about freight, using the blue highway is one way.

“Our ports are vital for international trade. On any given day they facilitate $ 1.2 billion of trade. There is no reason they shouldn’t offer the same advantage domestically.

“The Australian Parliament has requested that this report is tabled, and we are looking forward to doing so because we need leadership on this issue and the right data behind it.”