The Port of Melbourne has released its ACIL Allen 2021-22 Economic Contribution report, which highlights the port’s significant role in the region and its status as a key economic driver.
Port of Melbourne CEO, Saul Cannon, said the report highlights the vital role of the port to the people of South Eastern Australia and reaffirms its role as a key economic driver – handling more than one-third of the nation’s container trade.
“We have contributed more than $11 billion in economic activity to the Australian economy, and directly and indirectly employed more than 30,000 Australians,” Mr Cannon said.
“Those jobs are a key function of an essential supply chain link for Australia, facilitating the arrival of more than 2,800 ships and enabling the flow of goods in and out of Melbourne.
“Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days per year the port handled 86 per cent of Victorian origin exports and 87 per cent of Victoria’s international imports. This included more than $32 billion in machinery and vehicles and $8 billion in footwear and clothes in 2021-22.
“From the machinery building Victoria, to the cars driving us around and the clothes we wear, the port plays a role in all our lives.”
Mr Cannon said the Port of Melbourne has been a trade gateway for South Eastern Australia for more than 130 years.
“Port of Melbourne is proud of our role as custodian of the port, currently seven years into our 50-year lease from the Victorian Government. Total port container trade has grown by more than 25 per cent over the past ten years to 2021-22,” Mr Cannon said.
“Port of Melbourne is a vital economic asset and a critical part of our state’s infrastructure. Our ongoing success is essential to the continued growth and prosperity of Victoria and Australia.”
