The Andrews Labor Government is calling on stakeholders to help shape the future of ports and freight in Victoria by providing feedback as part of the Victorian Ports Review Discussion Paper.

It’s the first time in almost 20 years such a comprehensive review of the state’s ports has been conducted, providing industry and the public with a chance to have their say on major issues by responding to the review’s recently released discussion paper.

Topics covered in the discussion paper include port pricing and access arrangements, regulation of key port services, development of coastal shipping and industry governance.

The Victorian Ports System hasn’t been formally reviewed since 2001. Since then, the sector has undergone significant changes, including the introduction of a third stevedore in 2015 and leasing of the Port of Melbourne in 2016.

Given these changes a broad analysis of the sector is needed, to understand if current policy and governing structures are still right for the current environment.

Ports in Victoria are currently managed through a mixture of private and public sector bodies. There are four major commercial ports – Hastings, Melbourne, Geelong and Portland – and 14 smaller local ports.

The independent review is being led by Mark Curry, who has in-depth knowledge of governance and policy issues, including 15 years working in marine, ports and freight strategy.

The independent review began earlier this year and is on track to be presented to the government by the end of 2020.

For more detail on the discussion paper and to have your say visit getinvolved.transport.vic.gov.au.