Post by ferryfast admin on Feb 1, 2006 22:54:30 GMT -5
Jobs assurance in ports merger
By LUKE SAYER
02feb06
PORT assets and jobs are secure under the new-look TasPorts company, which is the first step in improving the state's transport links.
TasPorts was officially launched in Devonport yesterday after the Burnie, Devonport, Launceston and Hobart ports merged on January 1.
New chief executive Bernie Smith said the combination of the four companies gave TasPorts the critical mass it didn't have in the past.
Now the fifth largest port company in Australia, Mr Smith said TasPorts could be much smarter with the dollars it spent.
"We won't have the ports competing and expending capital that isn't always optimal," Mr Smith said.
He said forecasts for significant growth in transport in the next few years would be best handled by the new body.
TasPorts chairman Dr Dan Norton said the merger had been a long time coming.
"People have been talking about a consolidated ports structure for a long time, now we've taken the first step," Dr Norton said.
"Through TasPorts, Tasmania now holds a stronger position in the sea trade market and the company intends playing a valuable role in enabling the state to continue its unprecedented growth.
"Rather than four competing companies, often with different priorities, TasPorts has a statewide strategic focus and vision targeted at providing better freight solutions, enhancing benefits to customers and improving the use of the resources throughout the company.
"While there will be some change in roles and responsibilities within TasPorts, growth in business will create significant future new job opportunities in the ports and ancillary businesses and industries over time."
Infrastructure Minister Bryan Green said there was a fair bit of history associated with the merger.
"But when you think about it, it all boils down to a willingness of people to think about what is in the best interests of the state," Mr Green said.
"This reform puts Tasmania in the best position to confront the future challenges of a changing interstate and international trading environment.
"And, importantly, we have been able to achieve this reform with the protection of ports' staff and entitlements and their co-operation."
He said the Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics had estimated the national freight task would double over the period 2000 to 2020.
By LUKE SAYER
02feb06
PORT assets and jobs are secure under the new-look TasPorts company, which is the first step in improving the state's transport links.
TasPorts was officially launched in Devonport yesterday after the Burnie, Devonport, Launceston and Hobart ports merged on January 1.
New chief executive Bernie Smith said the combination of the four companies gave TasPorts the critical mass it didn't have in the past.
Now the fifth largest port company in Australia, Mr Smith said TasPorts could be much smarter with the dollars it spent.
"We won't have the ports competing and expending capital that isn't always optimal," Mr Smith said.
He said forecasts for significant growth in transport in the next few years would be best handled by the new body.
TasPorts chairman Dr Dan Norton said the merger had been a long time coming.
"People have been talking about a consolidated ports structure for a long time, now we've taken the first step," Dr Norton said.
"Through TasPorts, Tasmania now holds a stronger position in the sea trade market and the company intends playing a valuable role in enabling the state to continue its unprecedented growth.
"Rather than four competing companies, often with different priorities, TasPorts has a statewide strategic focus and vision targeted at providing better freight solutions, enhancing benefits to customers and improving the use of the resources throughout the company.
"While there will be some change in roles and responsibilities within TasPorts, growth in business will create significant future new job opportunities in the ports and ancillary businesses and industries over time."
Infrastructure Minister Bryan Green said there was a fair bit of history associated with the merger.
"But when you think about it, it all boils down to a willingness of people to think about what is in the best interests of the state," Mr Green said.
"This reform puts Tasmania in the best position to confront the future challenges of a changing interstate and international trading environment.
"And, importantly, we have been able to achieve this reform with the protection of ports' staff and entitlements and their co-operation."
He said the Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics had estimated the national freight task would double over the period 2000 to 2020.