Urgent ACCC investigation needed against Victoria's unjust trade barriers

TasFarmers, the Tasmanian peak body for primary producers, is demanding an inquiry into trade barriers being imposed by the Victorian Department of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA). 

GORCAPA is creating barriers and imposing limitations on trade that not only restrict farmers' choices but also increase costs for food production and threaten the livelihoods of Tasmanian producers

TasFarmers president, Ian Sauer, said the organisation had written to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to outline concerns over GORCAPA’s unprofessional conduct, which is blocking the vital shipping and transport route through Apollo Bay into Victoria.

"The situation represents a clear restriction of trade between two states, leading to increased freight costs and limiting competition and choice for farmers, particularly those on King Island, where market access is critical,” Mr Sauer said.

"Every excuse offered by GORCAPA appears irrelevant or invalid in justifying the decision to block trade through the port. The move simply reduces competition in shipping and restricts farmers' ability to choose where to send their produce. 

"The lack of access through Apollo Bay prevents farmers from taking advantage of more direct and cost-effective shipping routes to Victoria, severely impacting their competitiveness in the market.

"It's half the distance and half the cost for cattle producers to ship through Apollo Bay. Additionally, three major meat processors are within an hour and a half of the port.

“The same issue applies to goods returning to King Island. It's far more efficient and cost-effective to transport fertiliser directly from Victoria via Apollo Bay. 

“At present, fertiliser is shipped from Victoria to Devonport and then to King Island, an unnecessary and costly detour which is nonsense," Mr Sauer said. 

TasFarmers hopes an investigation into whether GORPCA has restricted trade will finally mean the port can be allowed to be used for the benefit of farmers on King Island and that any restrictions put on freight transportation are aligned with Australian Law.

"An inquiry by the ACCC would not only expose these restrictive practices but also provide an opportunity for farmers to be heard and for their concerns to be formally addressed," Mr Sauer said.