The ALC Forum 2013 will see industry and union leaders debate the steps that need to be taken to improve efficiency and productivity at Australian ports and intermodal terminals.
The ALC Forum 2013 is being held from 12-14 March at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“2013 will be a big year for operators of Australia’s major ports and intermodal facilities with a number of significant initiatives in the pipeline aimed at improving freight efficiency and productivity,” said Ian Murray AM, session chair and executive director of the Export Council of Australia.
“These include major infrastructure projects to improve capacity at Port Botany and Port of Melbourne, Asciano’s plans to automate its operations in Sydney; the pending announcement of a third stevedore at the Port of Melbourne and the refinancing of Port Botany.
“There is also progress occurring at Moorebank, which Forum delegates can hear about from the newly appointed Chair of the Moorebank Intermodal Company, Dr Kerry Schott.
“When you combine these works with a greater focus by government on the need to improve overall port efficiency, as evidenced by the implementation of the National Ports Strategy and the development of a range of state based freight strategies, it is pleasing to see momentum is building in this critical area.
"It is equally clear however more needs to be done to make intermodal freight work more effectively in our cities to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of freight to and from our major ports," Murray added.
“One of the keys to this is achieving a more seamless interface between the different modes of transport and their linkages with appropriate road, rail and port infrastructure.
“Getting this infrastructure and their key linkages right, and ensuring they are supported by appropriate regulatory settings, is critical to boosting the efficiency of the sector. It is also a key ingredient to developing more sustainable and liveable cities, particularly for those people who live in and around our international gateways.
“I’m looking forward to a diverse range of industry and union leaders discussing this issue in what promises to be a fascinating session at the ALC Forum 2013,” he said.
The Improving Productivity at our Australian Ports and Intermodal Terminals is being held at 2.00pm on Wednesday 13 March 2013.