GrainGrowers has opposed an office building development within the bulk grain section of the Geelong port with concerns about its potential to limit future intensive grain export operations and constrain the workings of the port.
GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the proposal for a mixed-use office development at 50 Mackey Street, North Geelong was a case of urban encroachment threatening Australian export industries.
“The implications for all Victorian grain growers are serious. This is the main location for bulk grain export for Victoria and Southern New South Wales with over two million tonnes exported from the GrainCorp terminal alone in 2020-21, representing 44% of Victoria’s total grain exports.
“While we recognise the need for office building developments in regional Australia, it should not come at the expense of established port operations.
Ms Gawel said increased general traffic movements would cause severe issues for every farmer trying to deliver grain to GrainCorp’s Port Terminal and the Barret Burston malting site.
Ms Gawel said GrainGrowers had serious concerns about how the traffic assessments supporting the development was gathered.
“The use of select days during the October 2022 floods demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding about grain freight and how the port operates.”
“As an export-oriented industry, we rely on the nation’s ports as a gateway for $22 billion in grain exports annually, and a well-functioning maritime logistics system is critical. It simply makes no sense for authorities to approve this type of development.”
Ms Gawel said GrainGrowers is urging members to make a submission opposing the Hamilton Group’s planning application.
Further information about the consultation is available here:
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Media Contact:
Chris Rowley
chris.rowley@graingrowers.com.au
Ph: 0415 140 253