A FREIGHT crisis threatening future ferry operations to and from Flinders and Cape Barren islands has finally been resolved. The sea links were thrown into turmoil earlier this month after a stoush broke out between TasPorts and Bridport-based company Furneaux Freight. TasPorts, which operates the port of Lady Barron on Flinders Island, accused the freight company of flouting safety regulations and dangerous goods-handling protocols at the site. The dispute saw Furneaux Freight tear up its agreement to handle stevedoring activities (loading and unloading freight) at Lady Barron and promise to suspend its weekly and on-demand shipping service from today. But following intervention from the state government and a number of crisis talks, the company has now committed to continue shipping to the islands in a 60-day trial of a new deal. An agreement hatched will see stevedoring company QUBE Ports step in to provide the service at Lady Barron over the period. The state government has committed up to $50,000 to cover extra costs incurred during the trial and ensure the service’s long-term viability. Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said it was likely an independent entity would be established on Flinders Island to manage ongoing stevedoring services after the trial. Mr Hidding said he was hopeful the deal would bring welcome relief following a month of high tensions and uncertainty. ‘‘This will be a particular relief for the primary industry sector as we enter the most intensive season of livestock transport,’’ Mr Hidding said. Flinders Mayor Carol Cox welcomed the outcome. ‘‘I’m very relieved we’ve got a shipping company that suits our needs continuing with the freight service,’’ Cr Cox said. ‘‘It is reassuring to finally know there is now a way forward to work through issues that have plagued both Furneaux Freight and TasPorts.’’
A FREIGHT crisis threatening future ferry operations to and from Flinders and Cape Barren islands has finally been resolved.
The sea links were thrown into turmoil earlier this month after a stoush broke out between TasPorts and Bridport-based company Furneaux Freight.
TasPorts, which operates the port of Lady Barron on Flinders Island, accused the freight company of flouting safety regulations and dangerous goods-handling protocols at the site.
The dispute saw Furneaux Freight tear up its agreement to handle stevedoring activities (loading and unloading freight) at Lady Barron and promise to suspend its weekly and on-demand shipping service from today.
But following intervention from the state government and a number of crisis talks, the company has now committed to continue shipping to the islands in a 60-day trial of a new deal.
An agreement hatched will see stevedoring company QUBE Ports step in to provide the service at Lady Barron over the period.
The state government has committed up to $50,000 to cover extra costs incurred during the trial and ensure the service’s long-term viability.
Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said it was likely an independent entity would be established on Flinders Island to manage ongoing stevedoring services after the trial.
Mr Hidding said he was hopeful the deal would bring welcome relief following a month of high tensions and uncertainty.
‘‘This will be a particular relief for the primary industry sector as we enter the most intensive season of livestock transport,’’ Mr Hidding said.
Flinders Mayor Carol Cox welcomed the outcome.
‘‘I’m very relieved we’ve got a shipping company that suits our needs continuing with the freight service,’’ Cr Cox said.
‘‘It is reassuring to finally know there is now a way forward to work through issues that have plagued both Furneaux Freight and TasPorts.’’
