The Hodgman Government welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement that further safeguards will be implemented in the Port of Melbourne lease process to protect Tasmanian exporters from unreasonable fee hikes.
The Hodgman Government has worked with the Victorian Government to make sure that Tasmanian exporters aren’t disadvantaged and this announcement is another big win for Tasmanian exporters.
The changes include ensuring that there is regular Essential Services Commission oversight of the Port and new dispute resolution measures for both new and renewing tenants if future fee increases are considered unfair, as well as the previously announced commitment to ensure fee increases are limited to CPI for at least the next 15 years.
The Port of Melbourne is a vital link for Tasmanian exporters, especially with the $203 million increase to the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme set to come on line in three months.
If leased, the Port of Melbourne would be subject to more stringent oversight than any other port in the country.