<p>Mark Rowsthorn, managing director-designate of Toll spin-off Asciano and boss of Patrick, launched into the Melbourne channel deepening debate yesterday (Monday, April 24) at a conference call with journalists.</p> <p>Mr Rowsthorn said it had to go forward as soon as possible.</p> <p>“It’s a crying shame it’s not up and running already,” he said.</p> <p>“Melbourne needs it, Victoria needs it and, of course, Australia needs it to cater for larger vessels that go around in global trade.</p> <p>“Melbourne is our most important port, so we have to push very hard for that.”</p> <p>On the extension of the Patrick terminal quay line, he said it was “still on schedule as far as I know” but subject to the channel deepening. </p> <br />