- Published:
- Friday 11 March 2022
The Andrews Labor Government continues to work with the freight and logistics industry to keep the supply chain moving by forming a Container Storage Working Group.
Chaired by Freight Victoria's Executive Director Praveen Reddy, the group includes representatives from across the shipping industry, stevedores, transport operators, peak bodies, and government.
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said collaboration between government and critical industry leaders would help maintain and progress Victoria's freight advantage.
It will also monitor ongoing challenges faced since the start of the pandemic, which have impacted supply chains on a national and international level.
COVID-related labour shortages have affected the movement of containers through the supply chain at the Port of Melbourne, as well as at warehouse and logistics precincts.
An increase in consumer demand and container shortages have also created disruption.
As supply chains return to normal, the capacity to store full and empty shipping containers has become more pressing. The working group meetings will analyse current pressures on the storage of shipping containers and provide possible solutions.
The Victorian freight network underpins the state's economy, providing industries and consumers access to products they need and connecting producers to national and global markets.
The Labor Government is deeply invested in our freight network and connections and its contribution to every Victorian – with the Ports and Freight sector adding $21 billion to the state's economy each year and supporting 260,000 jobs.
The working group commenced discussions in late February and will convene weekly until the end of April.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
"The challenge is confronting the supply chain head-on, and now is the time for government and industry to understand these issues and address them."
"We are regularly engaging with key industry representatives about these supply chain issues, which is allowing us to share our combined pressures, clearly identify emerging themes, and propose options and solutions."