9th September 2024
TasPorts welcomes Ports Australia's inaugural State of Trade report, highlighting the critical role of ports to Tasmanian jobs and the economy.
For the first time comprehensive data highlights the significant impact of ports to economic and social wellbeing.
Across Australia 31,000 vessels visit ports every year, importing 97 million and exporting 1.5 billion tonnes, moving $650 billion in goods and facilitating 694,000 jobs.
With 99% of Tasmania's freight moving across Tasmanian ports, TasPorts' Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Donald said the report shines a light on the critical importance of TasPorts' multiport network to the State's economy.
"As an island state we know our ports are important economic and commerce gateways, yet this new data highlights how critical ports are for the Tasmanian economy and local workforce," Mr Donald said.
"Tasmania's ports industry facilitates around 8000 jobs and $2.5 billion in international trade value every year, contributing $2.3 billion to GSP.
"With more than 2600* vessel visits and a total 633,177* TEU exported in FY24, TasPorts also welcomed over 225,000 cruise ship passengers.
"We know our ports are crucial to supporting Tasmanian industry, which is why we're focused on modernising our asset base, advancing technology, and internal and regulatory systems, to ensure our multiport network remains efficient and well-equipped to meet customer needs now and into the future.
"The report makes it clear that an investment in our ports is an investment in the economy, industry, communities and jobs, which is why we're committed to advancing our major projects with the support of government, to unlock significant opportunity for Tasmania.
Mr Donald said the report also highlighted the level of investment by ports across environmental management, community grants, and training and development.
"Importantly this Ports Australia data will complement TasPorts' own study into the economic impact of its multiport network across Tasmania, helping to inform future planning and investment decisions."
The report can be accessed at www.portsaustralia.com.au
* Variations may appear in TasPorts and Ports Australia data due to modelling input variations, for example TasPorts does not include Spirit of Tasmania passengers as cruise passengers, whereas Ports Australia does.