DCN May Edition 2019

QUEENSLAND
the port’s container wharves, and further structural capacity
analysis of existing wharf infrastructure.
Port management believe it is only using a fraction of the
capability of NCOS Online and is working with Seaport OPX
(developers of NCOS) to explore new opportunities to use the
platform to benefit customers and the port.
“We’re also working with stakeholders on ways we can use data
to make their operations more efficient,” Mr Cummins said.
LANDSIDE EFFICIENCY
“Improving landside efficiencies continues to be a key focus and
securing a dedicated freight rail connection to the Port remains one
of our highest strategic priorities,” Mr Cummins said.
An overreliance on road remains one of the port’s biggest
challenges. Currently, only 2.5% of containers arrive at Port of
Brisbane by rail. With 5m TEU forecast to be handled through the
port by 2050 - up from 1.35m TEU in 2017/18 – the port is seeking
a “more sustainable road/rail balance”.
“Making sure there is a dedicated freight rail corridor that
connects to Inland Rail is central to this,” Mr Cummins said.
However, the currently proposed Inland Rail route stops some
38km away from the Port of Brisbane at Acacia Ridge.
“As a nation, we can’t seriously call ourselves an export
powerhouse if we don’t have the infrastructure in place to
maximise our competitiveness,” Mr Cummins said.
“And not connecting a freight rail line that crosses three states
to the ports at either end is frankly ridiculous. We have a oncein-a-generation
opportunity to deliver enormous benefits to both
community and industry by connecting the Port of Brisbane to
Inland Rail by a dedicated freight rail corridor.
“We could provide truly nation-building infrastructure that
supports trade growth while taking thousands of trucks off
already-congested roads.”
A joint state-federal working group is currently considering
corridor options to the Port of Brisbane, and state and local
governments have jointly put forward a blueprint document for
a South-East Queensland City Deal, which includes a dedicated
freight rail connection to the Port of Brisbane.
GATEWAY TO THE NORTH
One of the highlights this year for the Port of Townsville was
the start, in April, of its first weekly container service. The ANL
AAX2 service calls into Ho Chi Minh City, Port Kelang (Malaysia),
Singapore, Jakarta, Brisbane, Sydney and Townsville.
GLADSTONE INDIGENOUS AGREEMENT RECOGNISED ON WORLD STAGE
Nominated in the 2019 IAPH World
Ports Sustainability Awards, Gladstone
Ports Corporation’s Indigenous Land
Use Agreement was selected as one of
three nominees to be put forward for a
public vote.
The ILUA was voluntarily established
in 2014 between First Nations Bailai,
Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, Taribelang
Bunda People Aboriginal Corporation
and GPC to ensure responsible and
respectful management of the lands and
sea on which the port operates.
“The project’s nomination is a huge
honour and highlights the importance
and success of the ILUA to bridge the gap
between our community and GPC,” said
Craig Walker, GPC acting chief executive.
“Being shortlisted for this award helps
recognise the progress made, not only at
a local level but on the global stage and
will hopefully inspire similar initiatives
around the world.”
The ILUA provides consent for
grants of tenure and approvals for
port development, in return for benefit
payments.
First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng
Gooreng, Taribelang Bunda People
Aboriginal Corporation Registered Native
Title Body Corporate chairman Matthew
Cooke said the ILUA places First Nations
people at the forefront of economic
development on traditional lands.
Mr Cooke said the ILUA was
underpinned by the principles of selfdetermination
and empowerment for
Aboriginal people.
“We are decision makers at the table
with the GPC,” Mr Cooke said.
“Most importantly, the GPC ILUA
ensure that First Nations people now
share in the prosperity and benefits
from port development and activity.”
An example of how this works
successfully is the Land and Sea
Ranger Program. Run by the Gidarjil
Development Corporation in Bundaberg
and Gladstone, the program manages,
Lee-Ann Dudley, indigenous affairs
advisor, Gladstone Ports
Corporation (left); painting entitled
Our Journey (right)
protects and improves the land and
sea country, while also providing
employment opportunities.
“For the last 100 years GPC has
proudly worked with and alongside our
First Nations and is committed to the
reconciliation journey,” Mr Walker said.
“The ILUA program and GPC’s Stretch
Reconciliation Action Plans are certainly
the cornerstones of our indigenous
affairs program, with supporting
initiatives.
“It is about building stronger,
meaningful relationships through
understanding, respect and acceptance,”
he said.
“It allows us to work together in a
sustainable and mutually beneficial
manner, while educating and enhancing
our community and environment.”
Winners of the awards will be
announced in May at the IPAH
conference in Guangzhou, China.
Gladstone Ports Corporation
28 May 2019
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