M E D I A R E L E A S E
Minister for Transport Looks Forward to Competition at Port
Members of the WA Grains Group (WAGG) along with representatives of grain exporters met with the Minister for Transport the Hon Simon O’Brien on Wednesday the 15th of April. Members representing the Geraldton and Albany port zones discussed the introduction of competition at ports for the loading of bulk grain for export.
Bruce Ley was able to show the Minister a presentation of a very successful ship loading trial done at the Geraldton port the previous day with Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) in attendance. Doug Clarke, chairman of the WAGG was also able to show the minister the cost efficiencies that could be achieved.
The drive by WAGG to introduce competition at the ports has come about in an effort to reduce supply chain costs and return more dollars to growers. Rail and road transport was also raised as a concern of the grain industry. “The Minister was encouraged by the range of thinking coming from industry on ways to improve the grain transport task and make better use of our infrastructure, including our ports,” said Mr. Clarke.
“Keeping our farmers cost competitive in the international market place is paramount to our State’s economic prosperity. Grain industry exports generate more than $4 billion, and after allowing for the economic multiplier effect, probably deliver around $10 billion in economic activity, incomes and profits for Western Australia,” said the Minister.
“The battle over deregulation of grain marketing and handling has been a long one but now it is over and we all look forward to industry taking advantage of it to improve its own economic performance in a competitive world.”
“I, and the government, look forward to seeing competition brought into the grain handling industry as it evolves in the new deregulated era,” said Hon Simon O’Brien.
ENDS
Doug Clarke
Chairman WA Grains Group
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19/04/09
WA Grains Group 