Shipping Australia was pleased to host our well-attended NSW State Committee Parliamentary Luncheon earlier this week.
Minister Graham
Our guest of honour and keynote speaker was the The Hon. John Graham, MLC, Minister for Transport. He is also the Special Minister of State, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, as well as the Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.
Minister Graham talked of the links between the maritime industries and the world of the arts, and how the industry has been the source of inspiration for writers and painters. He recognised the economic importance of seaports, shipping, and the freight industries, and he thanked and paid tribute to those sectors.
He also talked of government priorities, particularly reform of planning policy which it is hoped will make it easier to carry out a wide variety of building projects, such as residential developments, in the State, which he described as a “big step forward”.
Minister Graham also talked of the recently published NSW freight policy report, referencing a need to boost competition ports and moving freight at night. He also discussed the need for more work to be done on industrial lands in NSW, adding that the government will work though State Parliament to boost productivity and growth.
Shipping Australia would like to thank Minister Graham for his time.
Craig Carmody, Port of Newcastle
Mr Carmody noted that the restrictions on the development of a container terminal at the Port of Newcastle are now gone. He also discussed the port’s strategy, which is to be the most diversified port. He advised luncheon guests that there are now about 25 non-coal trades being handled at Newcastle. And, he added, the port will continue with its diversification strategy. He also noted that, as yet, coal is not declining. The transition has taken longer and is costing more than forecast; he also noted that a lot of hydrogen projects, and their derivatives, have not progressed as hoped, with many not making it to a final investment decision.
Looking forward, he focused on the long-standing relationships that Newcastle has with overseas markets, and that the message to overseas partners is that Newcastle has long been a reliable and steady provider of coal and will continue to be a reliable provider of clean energy.
He also welcomed the recent planning policy announcements of the NSW Government and that the port is carefully watching future announcements. The State of NSW, needs to get on with developments, “or we will be left behind”, he told guests.
Port of Newcastle generously sponsored this event. Shipping Australia would like to thank the Port of Newcastle for its support.
David Phillips, Svitzer Australia
Mr Phillips also comment favourably on the reform of planning policy recently announced by the State Government. He also noted the importance of the shipping and trade sectors and said that Svitzer is proud to be part of the industry. Mr Phillips also highlighted the new assets being deployed by Svitzer, especially the new and innovative transverse tugs, which provide greater power and efficiency than their predecessors.
Mr Phillips also kindly agreed to draw the Lucky Door raffle prizes.
Svitzer Australia generously sponsored this event. Shipping Australia would like to thank Svitzer Australia for its support.
Mario Fernando, Pacific International Lines and Phillip Holmes, “K” Line
Mario Fernando of Pacific International Lines is the co-chair of the Shipping Australia New South Wales Committee and he opened the event. Shipping Australia would like to thank Mr Fernando for his time and efforts.
Phillip Holmes of “K” Line is the Chairman of Shipping Australia and he introduced Minister Graham, gave short comments to the assembled guests, and assisted with the event. Shipping Australia would like to thank Mr Holmes for his time and efforts.
