Cars plan ‘dumped’

By John Van Klaveren
STATE Government has dumped plans to relocate Melbourne’s import-export car trade to Geelong, State Government has confirmed.
Ports Minister Dr Denis Napthine said a $2 million feasibility study found too many “impediments” for the move.
Concerns included limited suitable land and restricted access to a one-way shipping channel, he said.
The Independent reported in October extensive automotive industry opposition to the move.
Dr Napthine said the car trade would consolidate in a new location at Webb Dock.
Department of Transport “worked hard” to explore the potential of shifting the car trade to Geelong, he said.
But the report ruled that themove “would not be viable”.
“The automotive industry raised a number of serious concerns that would have adversely affected their operations. These concerns include the lack of suitable land at the Port of Geelong, which is required to conduct pre-delivery inspections on imported vehicles as well as to consolidate and prepare vehicles for export.
“Access to the shipping channel also proved to be an issue, with ships facing delays due to restrictions in windy conditions coupled with the fact the channel is one-way.”
Shadow ports minister Tim Pallas said the “sham of a process” had only disappointed Geelong.
“The Government has treated the people of Geelong with contempt in coming out with this in the dead of night just after the budget announcement.”
Nissan Australia spokesman Jeffrey Fisher said the decision confirmed car industry concerns.
“We always thought any move out of Webb Dock would add to our costs.This decision helps us plan and gives that part of our businesses some continuity.”