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IN THIS ISSUE
• ICHCA Australia AGM Notice
• Planning Approval for Port of Melbourne Redevelopment
• Standards Australia Containers Representative Sought
• PoMC Tarrif Review
• Heavy Vehicle Rate Down
• Seacare Safe Work Australia Finalists Announced
• Townsville State Development Area Strategy
• Commodore Research: China Markets
• Flinders Ports Restructures
• Premier Agricultural Event Draws Experts
• Ground-Breaking Road Transport Laws
• Industry Innovation Precincts to Create Jobs
ICHCA Australia Annual General Meeting Notice
Please note that the ICHCA Australia Limited Annual General Meeting will be held on March 25th starting at 11.15 am at the Emerald Group office in Hutt Street, Adelaide.
If you are an ICHCA member you are encouraged to attend. Please note only members who have paid their 2013 annual membership fee are entitled to vote.
Please notify your attendance or apology by Thursday 21 March to Ian Lovell at
ian.lovell@bigpond.com or ring Mobile: 0400 708 182.
Ian will also be pleased to handle inquiries related to joining ICHCA.
Planning Approval for $1.6 Billion
Port of Melbourne Redevelopment
The $1.6 billion Port of Melbourne Port capacity project has been given the go-ahead following a planning approval decision for the work to start.
Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, said the approval required compliance with strict environmental standards to protect the bay, waterways and environment.
Other approvals have already been received from other government departments including the Commonwealth, which has provided EPBC approval.
Ports Minister, Denis Napthine, said the decision means the Webb Dock work can now proceed, enabling Melbourne’s third container terminal and new world-class automotive facilities to be operational in late 2016.
Standards Australia Containers
Group Representative Sought
In recognising ICHCA as an NGO, Standards Australia has invited ICHCA to nominate a representative to be on its ME-068- Freight Containers Group. Standards Australia advises:
“ME-068 is the mirror committee of ISO/TC 104 Freight Containers, ISO/TC SC1 General specific containers and ISO/TC SC2 Specific purpose containers and Standards Australia is a Participating member.
It would be greatly appreciated if ICHCA could nominate a representative to be a member of ME-068- Freight Containers.
This will ensure that the representation in ME-O68 (ISO/TC104) is a balanced one.”
Most of the interaction will be by e-mail or teleconferencing. Please let me know ASAP and no later than March 7 if you are interested. If we have more than one member that wishes to be our representative we can always form a reference group.
Ian Lovell
ICHCA Australia
Mobile: 0400 708 182
PoMC 2013-14 Reference Tariff
Schedule Review Process
Port of Melbourne Corporation’s (PoMC) published fees and charges, as defined in the Reference Tariff Schedule (RTS), are reviewed annually.
As part of the 2013-14 RTS review process PoMC has prepared an Industry Information Paper which provides a summary of the matters that PoMC will take into consideration in the determination of the adjustments to its tariffs for 2013-14.
The Information Paper is available on PoMC’s website and can be viewed through:
http://www.portofmelbourne.com/shipping/tariffsandcharges.aspx
Heavy Vehicle Crash Rate Down
In the 2011/12 financial year, 225 people died in 200 crashes involving heavy vehicles on Australian roads. Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King, said that while the number of fatal crashes and fatalities both continued to
fall during the period, any loss of life is unacceptable.
Ms King said the data behind BITRE's latest Fatal heavy vehicle crashes Australia quarterly bulletin for April-June 2012 shows that deaths in the 2012 financial year resulting from all crash types, are lower by 20% than five years ago.
She said, “This latest report shows that over the last five years the number of crashes involving articulated trucks and rigid trucks has decreased by 13%. Also the number of fatal articulated truck crashes is down by 18%, as well as fewer fatalities from heavy
bus crashes with a 4.2% decrease from the year before.
The Australian Government is establishing the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will for the first time administer one national set of rules, streamlining the laws and regulations
that govern this sector - reducing costs, improving safety and enhancing efficiency.
“The Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal reflects the Government's commitment to taking the necessary steps to address the underlying economic factors which could encourage unsafe on-road practices and behaviour by heavy vehicle drivers. Under the Nation Building
Program the Australian Government is investing $36 billion on road and rail infrastructure over the six year period from 2008/09, with the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program delivering $50 million to improving the safety of heavy vehicles in 2012/13
to 2013/14 across Australia.”
Fatal heavy vehicle crashes Australia quarterly bulletin April-June 2012 is available at
www.bitre.gov.au.
Graph of Fatal Crashes Involving Heavy Vehicles
Source:
http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/ck/releases/2013/February/ck002_2013.jpg
Seacare Safe Work Australia Finalists Announced
Three winners at the Seacare Awards have been named as finalists in the 8th annual Safe Work Australia awards.
They are:
• Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System:
Toll Shipping for Stepping it Up
• Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue:
ASP Ship Management for Three Points of Contact - Introduction of Backpacks
• Best Individual Contribution to Workplace Health and Safety by a WHS Manager:
Roy Gillespie, Tidewater Marine Australia
Seacare Chairman, David Sterrett, said it is a commendable achievement to be selected as finalists in these prestigious awards. “There is no doubt there is a growing awareness of the need for quality workplace safety in the maritime industry. The work of these
finalists highlights that recognition,” he said.
Winners in the 2013 Safe Work Australia awards will be announced at a ceremony in Canberra on 29 April.
Townsville SDA Development Strategy Released
A Development Opportunities Strategy for the Townsville State Development Area (TSDA) has been approved. Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jeff Seeney, said the strategy outlined an exciting future for
the TSDA.
“The strategy identifies the development opportunities available in the TSDA and will inform amendments to the Development Scheme for the TSDA. The TSDA, declared in 2003, expands 4,900ha immediately south of the Port of Townsville and has the capacity to accommodate
large scale industrial development.
“One of the key goals identified in the strategy is to maximise development and infrastructure investment – we want industries to take advantage of the strategic location of the TSDA and efficiently use port, road and rail infrastructure.
“The strategy also aims to protect areas of environmental significance and establish a development framework that provides for the long-term,” Mr Seeney said.
The land use elements of the strategy differ from the Development Scheme for the TSDA in the following ways:
• ecological corridors and environmental conservation areas better align with areas of environmental value
• development areas are based on detailed flood modelling
• there is a greater range of precinct types and preferred land use intents
• identification of a preferred service centre location in the TSDA
• identification of required infrastructure networks
• identification of preferred staging of development
The strategy underwent targeted consultation with key groups including Townsville City Council, Port of Townsville, government agencies and landholders. “Townsville is key to the continued growth of Queensland and is a major hub for development in the state’s
north,” Mr Seeney said.
“We need to ensure we get the development mix right, and that is exactly what this strategy outlines. Currently my department is drafting amendments to the Development Scheme and will have these completed later this year.”
For more information on the Development Opportunities Strategy for the TSDA visit:
http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/coordinator-general/townsville-state-development-area.html
Commodore Research: China Market Trends
Commodore Research in its Weekly China Report says that the China Iron and Steel Association has released data which shows that daily crude steel production averaged about 1.99 million tons during February 1 to 10. This is moderately higher than the 1.91 million
ton average during January 21 to 31.
The Weekly China Report says it anticipates steel production will find more support during the upcoming months. Chinese steel production traditionally reaches robust volumes during the spring and summer months due in part to warmer weather and longer construction
days.
The report also says 24 vessels were chartered to haul iron ore to Chinese buyers last week, 17 more than the previous week and seven more than the trailing four week average. The surge occurred due to Chinese charterers return from golden Week and also due
to iron ore port stockpiles remaining low.
Ten vessels were chartered to haul thermal coal to Chinese buyers last week, five more than the previous week and one more than the trailing four week average. A large decrease in Qinhuangdao coal port stockpiles has contributed to the rebound in fixture volume.
Flinders Ports Restructures
South Australia’s leading ports operator, Flinders Ports has restructured the business. The move follows exceptional growth and sees the creation of Flinders Port Holdings Pty Ltd as the parent company for six distinct business divisions with Chief Executive
Officer, Vincent Tremaine, heading the group.
“This new structure has resulted from a review of our activities and opportunities for future expansion. It will allow greater focus on each individual business unit and enhance the distinct and separate nature of each business,” Mr Tremaine said.
The new structure has meant personnel changes within the group. Stewart Lammin, formerly General Manager of Business Development, has become General Manager for the entire ports business - Flinders Ports. Andrew Pellizzari, is General Manager of Flinders Logistics
and Peter Cheers, former General Manager of Human Resources and Marine Services is now General Manager of Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal Pty Ltd.
Flinders Port Management Services, Flinders Ports Land Development and Flinders Spencer Gulf Ports are the other business units in the group, which complement the Ports division, the fast growing Logistics business and the Container division acquired from DP
World South Australia in July 2012.
“The emphasis for the group in 2013 will be on improvement and efficiency. We will be modernising the business, investing in new equipment and driving growth,” Mr Tremaine said.
For more information please visit: www.flindersports.com.au.
Premier Agricultural Event Draws
Australian and International Experts
The Outlook 2013 conference will provide a unique opportunity for a 360 degree examination of the issues faced by the agricultural, forestry, fisheries and food sectors in Australia, according to Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and
Sciences (ABARES) Executive Director, Paul Morris.
Mr Morris said ABARES is making final preparations for Outlook 2013, to be held in Canberra on March 5 and 6.
“The conference combines the latest economic and trade data with the on-the-ground perspective of primary producers, information from policy makers and experts from across Australia and around the globe,” Mr Morris said.
In 2013, international presenters include: David Hallam, from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Ken Ash, from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; Ramesh Chand, India’s National Centre for Agricultural Economics
and Policy Research; Joe Glauber, of the United States Department of Agriculture; and Wim Boonstra of the Rabobank Group, the Netherlands.
The conference theme of ‘future food, future farming’ reflects a growing global conversation on food security as well as the interconnected nature of world trade and how Australia’s markets, industries, commodities and environments will evolve and adapt.
Key sessions will also focus on farm performance, regional development, emerging markets and carbon farming, alongside forums dedicated to each of Australia’s key commodity sectors.
“The ABARES 2013 Outlook conference will examine the significant market uncertainty around the world over the past two years,” Mr Morris said.
“Outlook will give key decision-makers the forecasts they need to make informed policy and business decisions. It will also examine the key risks and opportunities that are presented by the current economic and trade environment for both individuals and businesses,”
Mr Morris said.
Registrations are now open. Full details can be found at daff.gov.au/abares/outlook or via email.
Ground-Breaking Road Transport Laws
The most significant road transport reform Australia has ever undertaken has cleared its first legislative hurdle. The Queensland Government has passed the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) Amendment Bill 2012, paving the way for one national rule book for
Australia’s heavy vehicle industry.
The HVNL will be administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), which opened for business earlier this year.
The NHVR Chairman, Bruce Baird AM, has welcomed the Bill’s passing as a milestone more than five years in the making. “This Bill is an extraordinary achievement for industry and all levels of government across Australia,” Mr Baird said.
“I’m pleased to see this collaborative effort reflected in the Queensland Parliament, where the HVNL Amendment Bill received strong bipartisan support. The legislative wheels are now rolling and we’re looking forward to delivering real safety, productivity
and efficiency improvements for the heavy vehicle industry.”
The HVNL consolidates eight different sets of state and territory road transport laws into one national rule book, meaning reduced red tape for industry and reduced transport costs that should flow on to all operators, large and small.
Currently an operator carrying a truckload of bananas travelling from Far North Queensland to Melbourne must comply with three different sets of laws, a huge administrative burden on the 85% of operators that are small, family-operated enterprises.
“The benefits of one national rule book are substantial – it’s been estimated to unlock productivity gains for the heavy vehicle industry of up to $12.4 billion over the next 20 years, which also means savings all along the supply chain, right through to consumers.
“When you consider that delivery costs account for an estimated 43 per cent of the cost of a loaf of bread, the potential for hip-pocket savings is very real.”
Once the HVNL is adopted nationally, the NHVR will deliver a wide range of services in a one-stop-shop for key heavy vehicle road transport business with government.
The NHVR opened for business on 21 January and currently manages the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme and design and vehicle approvals for the Performance-Based Standards Scheme.
Industry Innovation Precincts to Create Jobs
The Federal Government will commit $504.5 million to establish up to 10 Industry Innovation Precincts to drive productivity, improve connections between business and the research sector and mobilise Australian industry to compete more successfully in global
markets.
Industry Innovation Precincts will bring together businesses, research institutions like the CSIRO and universities, business service providers and government agencies to foster innovation and generate economic benefits for Australian industry.
They will collaborate on identifying new business opportunities, deploying new technology, R&D and carrying out industry-led research projects.
The first Precinct will be a Manufacturing Precinct to help manufacturers upgrade skills and technologies, improve competitiveness and create a new wave of advanced manufacturing jobs. It will be based in two locations in South East Melbourne and Adelaide.
The second Precinct will be devoted to the food sector and headquartered in Melbourne.
This Food Precinct will create valuable connections across the food value chain to build the critical mass, business capability and export readiness needed to take advantage of industry growth opportunities, especially in Asia.
The Food Precinct will be supported by further policy and initiatives to be announced in the National Food Plan, to be released later this year.
Industry Innovation Precincts are a new direction for industry and innovation policy. They will focus on future opportunities and put industry in the driver’s seat. Each Precinct will have an industry-led Board to drive transformation across the sector.
The Government will also invest in an online Industry Innovation Network that will allow businesses to take part in Precinct activities, gaining access to technology, knowledge, business services and partnerships, regardless of their location.
Border Compliance Coordination
The following industry notice has been published on the DAFF website:
• 13-2013 - Update - Biosecurity Waste Management Business Policy
http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/import/general-info/ian/13
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