Logistics key to productivity gains

Logistics key to productivity gains

CONNECTED infrastructure is just one way Australia can build a resilient supply chain system and give our meat exporters a competitive advantage.

And while there’s not a lot Australian companies can do to tackle global logistical challenges, there are plenty of ways to improve at home to make Australia the most agile and efficient base to export meat in the world.

This was the message from Australian Logistics Council CEO and Managing Director Dr Hermione Parsons to the Meat Processing and Export Conference (MPEC) 350-strong crowd in Queensland today.

Dr Parsons called for Australia to start thinking smarter in our home country to support export supply chains.

“We need to get serious about building supply chain awareness, we need to make sure, no matter what government, no matter who is there, that the bureaucrats and the politicians begin to understand the complexity we all deal with on a daily basis,” she said.

“Supply chain productivity is needed. Sustainability and resilience. We don’t have resilience. We’re a truck-based economy that doesn’t have enough fuel. That’s scary… We have to get serious, and we have to control what we can.”

Some other examples to improve resilience and productivity provided by Dr Parsons included strategically located, fit for purpose industrial land, protecting zoning and reserving land near freight modes, particularly intermodal parks and ports and assistance with workforce.

MPEC is hosted by the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC)

AMIC Chief Executive Tim Ryan said any improvements in logistics would benefit the Australian red meat supply chain.

“Shipping and logistics are crucial for our industry. Today we heard to expect increased cost, reduced reliability and more disruption in global shipping,” he said.