Charles Masters, Secretary, Shipping Australia’s Victoria Committee writes:
“The year began with Ports Victoria announcing the appointment of a Harbour Master from the United Kingdom effective March 2025. The position had been vacant for some time with most functions fulfilled by deputy
staff. Shortly after the announcement it became apparent the appointment would not materialise and was to be filled by a local having the required experience.
The committee met on four occasions, staged the annual Phil Kelly OAM Golf Challenge, won by “Engage Towage,” and held at picturesque LaTrobe Golf Club. Two lunches were organised for members and their clients the first at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club with guest speaker the then Shadow Minister for Ports and Freight Ms Roma Britnell MP.
The content of her presentation was compelling, highlighting many unfinished projects the current Government had failed to complete or deliver on. The subsequent luncheon was an end of year event held at the Royal Automobile Club in Melbourne. Both events were pleasingly sold out.
In last year’s report we touched on the financial stress of the State of Victoria’s finances. The budget is projected to have a 200 billion deficit propelled by large infrastructure projects, all said to run well over planned budgets. A change of Premier and finance minister has not done much for the optics of good governance, and we are beginning to see evidence of pressure being applied by Government to increase revenues from all sectors.
The port community will not be immune from increases and ultimately will on pass those costs across the trading community.”
