Stage 4 disrupts supply routes
Shoppers urged to buy local as restrictions in Victoria impact trade
FAR North Queensland consumers could face frustration as reduced capacity of Victorian port redistribution centres and manufactured goods has an impact on the supply chain.
But Cairns businesses are hopeful that the national difficulties will encourage more innovation, with shoppers urged to buy local.
Under stage four Victorian restrictions, processing and distribution operations, including supermarket distribution centres, will operate at a 33 per cent reduction of a peak workforce.
Other industries that must comply with high-risk COVID Safe Plans include warehousing, distribution centres, meat processing and cold storage.
Queensland Trucking Association executive officer Gary Mahon said although there had been no restrictions on international port movements, supply chains would be affected.
“We know that retail furniture will probably slow a little bit … we don’t expect port freight to slow (but) some of those import goods will slow a little,” he said.
“(And there) are limits on the places those goods are repacked for delivery around the country, whereas distribution centres to do with horticulture, agriculture, and general supermarket goods are running at 65 per cent. Some of those factories that make dried manufactured goods (and) those types of products might get (into Queensland) a bit slower.”
However, issues with road freight delays in crossing the Queensland border are not expected.
Cairns Chamber of Commerce president Sally Mlikota said potential shortages offered a chance for creativity and innovation.
“This just highlights (our reliance) on suppliers beyond Queensland and perhaps this is a good time to think about what we could do to have more industry, more manufacturing in Far North Queensland and I think we might see some innovative ideas,” she said.
“We are trying to encourage people in Cairns, when they need to make a purchase, rather than going online where you don’t know where it’s coming from … to actually buy locally.
“We are going to see more people thoughtful in their purchasing decisions and thinking a bit more before they purchase.”
Courier firm Aramex Cairns regional franchisee Josh Bollman said the impact of the Victorian lockdown was also impacting freight heading south.
“What’s more concerning to the local economy (is a slowdown of) wholesale products into Melbourne for retail,” he said. “The guys that are selling wholesale into Melbourne are feeling the pinch.”