Establishment of air freight export council recommended

15/6/94

A major study into Western Australia's high value perishable exports has recommended the establishment of an air freight export council.

The study, by consultants Western Global, was commissioned jointly by the Ministerial portfolios of Transport, Primary Industry and Commerce and Trade, and released today by Transport Minister Eric Charlton.

The central recommendation urges the setting up of a council body with Government support to give exporters the ability to improve the coordination of air cargo services and guarantee continuity of supply.

"The value of air freighted perishables out of WA is approaching $300 million per annum," Mr Charlton said.

"While there is sufficient air freight capacity into established markets like South Africa, Indonesia and New Zealand, there are definite shortages into other important markets like Asia and Europe.

"The Government recognises the importance of this issue and is taking steps to improve air freight capacity to assist producers of a wide range of perishables, including fruit and vegetables, meat and livestock, dairy foods, wild flowers and fish.

"The Western Global report shows that up to $80 million in perishable exports could be jeopardised over the next two years if action is not taken now to overcome air freight capacity constraints."

Mr Charlton said the next phase of the project, which involved direct consultation with exporters, freight forwarders and airline companies to see how the export council would operate and how quickly it could be established, was already under way.

The Government expected a report before the end of August.

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333 or 222 9595