Exports through Tasmanian ports grew by six per cent in the first half or FY19, justifying the state’s $200 million program to ensure ports can meet future export and import demand, infrastructure minister Jeremy Rockliff has said.
Rockliff last week outlined first half figures showing Tasmanian ports handled 5.02 million tonnes of exports, up from 4.73 million tonnes in the first half of the last financial year. The state’s primary exports include woodchips, cement and timber, general cargo, minerals, food and dairy products.
“The ongoing development of our ports is [a] critical issue for our state,” Rockliff said. “TasPorts is currently implementing a $200 million master plan to ensure our port facilities meet future export and import demand. The Hodgman Liberal Government has a record $2.6 billion funding for new infrastructure in Tasmania to grow the economy, create jobs and meet the needs of our growing state.”
Rockliff noted Tasmania’s goods were “increasingly in demand interstate and internationally,” and said the state’s economic conditions are “extremely positive,” but noted success would only result from “hard work and strategic management decisions”.