Port of Melbourne’s containerised rice exports on the mend
NewsThe Port of Melbourne’s containerised rice exports are showing signs of recovery, indicating a positive trend after recent challenges.
Port of Melbourne in historic expansion
The Port of Melbourne has leased 29 hectares of the former Melbourne Markets until 2066, with an AU$ 200 million investment planned.
The Port of Melbourne has secured a long-term agreement with the Victorian Government to lease approximately 29 hectares of the former Melbourne Markets site to 2066 in line with its existing 50-year port privatisation lease.
This represents the port’s largest-ever expansion since the long-term lease was granted in 2016. Based on current planning, Port of Melbourne expects to invest more than AU$200 million into the development of the site.
The transaction remains subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, which are anticipated to be met by the end of 2024.
Port of Melbourne CEO Saul Cannon said: “With container volumes at Port of Melbourne expected to double by 2050, access to additional land at the former Melbourne Markets site unlocks opportunities that are critical to the future needs of Victoria. Port of Melbourne is proud to invest in developing the site to support forecast growth and demands.”
Consistent with the Victorian Government’s 2018 Victorian Freight Plan, the Port of Melbourne will invest in developing the site for a range of uses, including truck parking facilities and container storage. The establishment of port functions at this site will improve traffic movement in the area, complementing the West Gate Tunnel when it opens.
Owned by VicTrack, the site is optimally positioned for port use. According to the Port of Melbourne, the accommodation of freight and logistics functions closer to the port will relieve pressure on the inner west.
CTAA: The port needs state-of-the-art TMA
Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) welcomes the news that the Port of Melbourne has secured a long-term lease of the former Melbourne Markets site.
CTAA is particularly pleased that the Port of Melbourne will invest in developing the site for a “range of uses including truck parking facilities and container storage.”
Furthermore, CTAA believes that the Port of Melbourne needs a state-of-the-art Truck Marshalling Area (TMA). “It is the only major capital city port in Australia that doesn’t have a TMA currently. The long-term lease and investment in the old Melbourne Markets site north of Footscray Road provide the perfect opportunity to address the demand for a well-designed TMA. And, we shouldn’t just make aspire to create a “low tech” parking area for truck drivers awaiting their next job in the Port,” CTAA added.
“We have the opportunity to work with the Port of Melbourne, the container terminals and other container logistics-related facilities in the Swanson Dock precinct (and perhaps even further afield) to link truck arrivals at the TMA to operating systems to give greater visibility of heavy vehicle locations and readiness to be serviced. Also, we should design the facility to be able to direct trucks to the TMA to await instructions and call-up during port congestion or other disruption events,” CTAA concluded.
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