Meat exporter concern at Brisbane congestion

<p>Meat exporters using the port of Brisbane remain concerned at delays in getting their refrigerated export containers into the Fisherman Islands container terminals.</p> <p>The problem, which appears to be related to the congestion issues which have sporadically affected the terminals since 2004, has forced meat exporter Teys Bros to place many boxes in container parks for pre-receival and run the containers into the terminals at night.</p> <p>Kim McBride, general manager of logistics with Teys Bros, said the problem in effect, doubled the firm’s transport costs. </p> <p>&#8220It’s a double cost, obviously," he said. "We’ve got to take it off one truck, put it on the ground or put it on a plug somewhere, and then relift it at a convenient time.&#8221</p> <p>Mr McBride said he had raised the issue with the port and the stevedores were also aware of it.</p> <p>As an example, Mr McBride said that before 2004, some 90% of the firm’s boxes were able to enter the terminals directly, while it was only 20% at present.</p> <p>&#8220In 2004, the game changed,&#8221 he said.</p> <p>It is understood that other major meat exporters, such as AMH, have experienced similar problems.</p> <p>Teys Bros indicated that its meat rail-freighted to Brisbane from further north in Queensland, entering the port via the BMT, entered the terminals with no trouble.</p> <p>The port’s focus has recently been on road issues, such as ensuring that the Port of Brisbane Motorway stage 2 project is carried out as soon as possible.</p> <br />