By Ann Marie Angebrandt
THE West could generate up to $2 billion for the Australian economy if it is transformed into a national logistics city, according to a Victoria University academic.
Dr Pieter Nagel of the Institute for Logistics and Supply Chain Management, said a strategy to turn the region into a freight, transport and distribution hub would boost the country’s competitive position in the world marketplace.
The West’s strength, including its airports, ports, rail terminals and freeway networks, made it the perfect location, he said.
He said planning would now be necessary for the proposal to succeed.
His research showed that existing businesses in the West are not able to create enough jobs for the area’s rapidly growing population.
“The need for action is urgent … probably within the next five to eight years,” he said.
“If this does not occur, the opportunity to make a difference to the western region will most likely be lost.”
A key component of the plan includes developing an “intelligent transport system” to incorporate freeway, train, and port information.
“It could manage the traffic in a much better way than it is being currently managed,” he said.
The institute’s plan was undertaken in consultation with several local councils in the region, the Western Transport Alliance and the Committee for Werribee.
A questionnaire was also sent to 1,200 businesses and 200 residents in the West.
The proposal has been welcomed by industry.
Last week, logistics company Kuehne and Nagel announced it would spend $40 million to expand its Derrimut facility.
