The Tasmanian Freight Logistics Co-ordination Team has conducted its inaugural meeting, with members discussing future strategies of the State’s logistics and freight sector.

 

The Team was convened after the Federal Government announced a $20 million once-off funding package to assist Tasmanian exporters reach international markets after the State’s sole international shipping operator, AAA, ceased operations last year.

 

State Minister for Infrastructure, David O’Byrne, said the team brings together industry expoerts to help tackle the State’s long-term freight challenges.

 

"These experienced group members understand freight. They understand the complexities, and the urgency, because these challenges directly affect their daily lives,” Mr O’Byrne said.

 

"This group is about letting industry experts drive realistic industry solutions by reporting directly to the Tasmanian and Australian Governments.”

 

Mr O'Byrne opened this morning's first meeting in Hobart. The team's first job is to identify key freight issues, and put them in context.

 

The Team concluded that the State is currently facing a ‘perfect storm’ of a high Australian dollar, market changes that have seen larger ships and fewer port-of-call and the Victorian Government’s port licence fee.