The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) Breakfast was held as part of MEGATRANS 2024 on Wednesday September 18 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Peter Anderson, VTA CEO, opened the breakfast with a short speech about logistics challenges before introducing the event’s sponsor, Zurich Resilience Solutions.
Peter Johannson, Principal Risk Engineer, Zurich Resilience Solutions, gave a speech about climate, cyber, and tech resilience.
“The supply chain is connected,” he says. “We can’t think in silos. Businesses are now being electrified as they deploy artificial intelligence solutions.”
He noted that social engineering is integral to companies improving their operations, and that to achieve Scope 3, they should look at supply chain mapping, governance, and risk management.
“The human element is important,” adds Peter as he talks about attracting, training, and retaining employees. “We should aim to have well, happy, and resilient employees.”
The Honourable Minister Melissa Horne MP spoke about the Victorian government’s projects such as the West Gate Tunnel – which is scheduled to open in 2025 and will include truck zones – and North East Link.
“Aware Super has invested in the Intermodal Terminal, and there’s a new interstate rail terminal in Truganina,” says Melissa.
The Commonwealth government has invested $900 million, and there are goals to meet net zero emissions by 2045.
“The focus is on being able to invest and plan for the future,” she adds. “Since 2017, the Victorian government has been partnering with the VTA to deliver the Truck Driver Program.
“Nearly 400 heavy vehicle drivers have been trained since then and placed in employment. The program has been extended for an additional two years, and twenty-five per cent of the drivers trained so far have been women.”
She says the Victorian Freight Plan will also be ready soon.
Prime Creative Media’s CEO, John Murphy explained the purpose of the event was to connect companies across various sectors in the industry.
“The future of the sustainable supply chain provides both opportunities and challenges as we work towards reducing our carbon footprint,” says John.
“Employees and careers are vital to the industry as we increase productivity, efficiency, and profitability. All of this, as well as developing safe and sustainable businesses, are made possible by new technologies and ideas.
“That’s why at the Mercury Awards we’re introducing the new MHD Sustainable Warehouse Award, acknowledging the efforts companies are making to decarbonise their facilities.”
For more information on MEGATRANS, click here.
For more information on the Mercury Awards, click here.
For more information on the Victorian Transport Association, click here.