IN THE WAKE of Cyclone Zelia WA premier Roger Cook has committed a re-elected Labor government to a $5 million boost to the state’s supply chain and shipping capability.
With widespread flooding in the Pilbara forcing the closure of sections of the Great Northern Highway, the state’s main south-to-north supply line and supermarket shelves in Broome running low, the vulnerability of the northern part of WA has again been highlighted.
Mr Cook said the $5 million Supply Chain Resilience Fund would support initiatives that help build WA’s supply chain and shipping capability and enable WA government and industry to access shipping during emergencies.
The fund will be particularly important during emergencies, like cyclones and flooding events, to help ensure communities affected by natural disasters aren’t cut off from essential supplies and industry can continue to operate.
A media release from the premier said the fund would also support the maritime workforce by helping to grow the number of Australian qualified seafarers through better training and growth opportunities, and build on the work of the Shipping Policy Unit with the Department of Transport.
“The fund will complement the Commonwealth Government’s $22 million Australian Strategic Fleet pilot, which will see the procurement of three vessels for use during times of need such as natural disasters or conflict and for training to boost Australia’s maritime workforce,” the release said.
Mr Cook acknowledged that Western Australia is prone to natural disasters like floods and cyclones, particularly in the north of the state which had demonstrated that supply chains can be vulnerable by road and rail during an emergency.
The fund would provide better access to shipping during times of need to ensure affected communities aren’t cut off from essential supplies.
“Shipping provides more options for industry to move their goods efficiently, and investment in WA shipping and WA seafarers is critical for the WA community and economy, particularly during times of supply chain disruption.
“The Fund will also support local jobs and our efforts to continue diversifying our economy, by providing better training for our maritime workforce and helping to boost the number of Australian qualified seafarers.”
