A COMMUNITY meeting on King Island has slammed TasPorts for not listening to the shipping needs of the island.
Panellists at a community forum were independent MLC for Murchison Ruth Forrest, Mayor Vernon Philbey, chair of the Shipping Executive Greg Morris, Chamber of Commerce president and retailer Rose Hallett, Beef Producers Group chair Nick Lyttle and Eastern Line Shipping MD Warren Dick.
Each speaker gave a brief address to update the community regarding the impact of the TasPorts/BIL changes which include the ceasing a triangular shipping service directly linking King Island to mainland Australian markets; the lack of communication and follow-up by Transport Minister Michael Ferguson, who is responsible for the island’s shipping infrastructure.
The consensus of speakers and statements from participants is that TasPorts, and their wholly owned subsidiary Bass Island Line (BIL) avoid communications and do not listen or address the needs of the island as part of their mandate, whether through the shipping executive, council or stakeholders.
Ms Forrest summarised the processes and the questions she asked on the island’s behalf and answers she received in the Legislative Council.
Ms Forrest expressed her dissatisfaction and frustration with the responses and that there are questions which have remained unanswered.
Ms Forrest assured the gathering that she is giving and will continue to give voice for King Islanders in Parliament and is prepared to take King Island matters to the next level, if necessary, to the committee she chairs.
Her visit to the island, spanning a few days was to listen to individuals, organisations, and businesses, to accurately inform regarding the current situation around shipping, freight, fuel pricing and other matters which are unique to King Island.
After the forum, Ms Forrest said the message from the very well attended public meeting was clear – shipping to and from King Island remains a major impediment to the success of the island.
“A triangulated service is essential to meet the needs of the island – an island that contributes significantly to the state’s economy.
“A priority for our state and King Island must be the development of a safe, all-weather harbour, built to future proof the island and create an intergenerational asset.
“To fully understand the specific freight needs of the island, the community must be directly and actively consulted and engaged in the decision making to avoid assumptions by government as to community need.”
“It was wonderful to meet so many King Islanders and to deeply listen to their concerns.”
The shipping community engagement meeting in the King Island Club attracted more than 80 King Island residents and businesses. The forum was widely regarded as inform