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 <strong>2019</strong> 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 <strong>May</strong> at the IPAH conference in Guangzhou, China. Gladstone Ports Corporation 28 <strong>May</strong> <strong>2019</strong> thedcn.com.au
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