Study sought into freight depot at Albany

24/3/00
Primary Industry Minister Monty House announced today he would seek to initiate a feasibility study into the economic costs and benefits of an inland freight depot for the Albany region.
The move is in response to a request by the Albany Region Community Development Alliance, following a meeting which raised the issues of local road freight and transport issues.
Further discussions about the proposal were held with Co-operative Bulk Handling, Main Roads WA, the Department of Transport and the Great Southern Development Commission.
At a meeting with the Albany Port Authority, the Port User Group and the Alliance it was agreed the feasibility study would concentrate on the economic feasibility and infrastructure implications of an inland freight depot.
Mr House said a step-by-step approach, starting with the economic issues for potential users of any inland freight depot, would ensure that the option was seriously considered in future transport planning in the region.
"I am prepared to provide funds to undertake a feasibility study to determine whether an inland freight depot is economically feasible," he said.
"I have also written to Transport Minister Murray Criddle requesting that he consider Transport as the appropriate agency to co-ordinate such a study and to Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan requesting his support."
Mr House said issues to be addressed by such a study included planning needs and the potential for any increase in costs to be incurred by port users, such as grain producers.
"It would be incumbent for the study to analyse any infrastructure requirements for an inland depot, such as road, rail and power costs," he said.
"It is important to identify these issues now, so both the State and local government can undertake long-term planning."
The study would build on previous reports on freight and transport undertaken in the region, to harness the existing information.
Mr House said that as soon as the funding commitment for the study was finalised, the terms of reference would be compiled with input from the community alliance, user groups, Albany Port Authority, local government representatives and the Department of Transport.
Media contact: Peter Jackson 9481 2044