Liberals Out Of Excuses As Farmers And Businesses Back Port Lease

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Treasurer Tim Pallas and the Minister for Ports Luke Donnellan at the Port of Melbourne today, calling on the Coalition to keep its promise and support the lease of the Port of Melbourne.

Speaking at the Port of Melbourne Operation Control Centre, the Premier mapped out the opportunities that will come from the Port’s lease, which will fund the removal of Victoria’s 50 most dangerous and congested level crossings, create thousands of jobs, and help support regional Victoria.

On Sunday, the Premier announced that a new $200 million Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund will also be established following the successful passage of the Port of Melbourne lease legislation through the Parliament.

The Fund, which has the backing of the Victorian Farmers Federation, will support vital investment in agricultural infrastructure to boost productivity, increase exports and reduce costs so our farmers can stay competitive.

Employer group VECCI also supports the lease, with CEO Mark Stone calling for a timely resolution to the lease legislation.

In another sign of confidence in the Port, a long-term agreement has been reached between DP World and the Port of Melbourne Corporation over rents.

 

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“Leasing the port will create thousands of jobs, help remove our most dangerous and congested level crossings, and support our farmers.

“The time for Coalition excuses is over,they should keep their promise and support the lease legislation.”

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas 

“The agreement between DP World and the Port of Melbourne Corporation means that coupled with the protections we’ve put in place – consistent with a modern lease – rental increases will now effectively be regulated by agreement for the life of the proposed lease.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports Luke Donnellan

“Leasing the Port will make a good port even better, making it even more competitive, to the benefit of exporters and Victorians.”

 

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