The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has welcomed the Victorian Parliament’s passing of the Delivering Victorian Infrastructure (Port of Melbourne (PoM) Lease Transaction) Bill 2015.
The ADIC applauded the agreement’s inclusion of a further 10 per cent of port sale proceeds – or potentially up to $700 million – for transport infrastructure projects in regional Victoria.
ADIC Chair, Simone Jolliffe congratulated both the Government and Opposition for reaching an agreement on the Bill.
“With over 85% of Australia’s total dairy exports sent via the PoM, the dairy industry is the fifth largest user of the Port. The PoM is not only the point of export for Victorian dairy but also for the dairy industry located in Tasmania and parts of South Australia and New South Wales.
“The much needed investment in transport infrastructure will help to ensure the export supply chain remains competitive and efficient.”
The ADIC was also pleased to see:
- Compensation limited to 15 years;
- Constructive changes to port rents and licensing fees; and
- Oversight from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Mrs Jolliffe said the dairy industry looked forward to working in collaboration with the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria and the Victorian government to deliver improvements to key infrastructure priorities for dairy and agriculture more broadly.
Media Contact:
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