23 June 2008

Victoria University's Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard Carter has welcomed today's announcement by the Premier, John Brumby, that the University will receive a $150,000 study grant to develop a plan for a Logistics City in Melbourne's west.

The innovative feasibility study will be led by Dr Pieter Nagel, the Director of VU's Institute for Logistics and Supply Chain Management (ILSCM). It will help the Victorian Government plan future industrial zones and manufacturing hubs.

Professor Carter said: "We are delighted to have received support for the Institute's Logistics City concept. Melbourne's west has a considerable wealth of logistics related infrastructure. A significant percentage of the overall Australian economic activity associated with sea and airports occurs in the region. These factors present a major economic opportunity for the region."

"If a Logistics City is developed in Melbourne's west, it will lead to high-tech business and job development and there will be real potential for logistics to make a difference locally."

"Overseas, Logistic Cities have been the driver behind the creation of thousands of jobs. So a Logistics City, based in the west, could be an incubator for local job growth - which would improve people's economic and social opportunities."

"This is particularly important for Melbourne's west, as current projections indicate the outer west will have more than 25 per cent of metropolitan Melbourne's population growth over the next 25 years."

"The logistics profession is not just about trucks - it's about the global trade, the supply chain, and significant technology innovations, good communication and management expertise."

"Victoria University is ensuring that all its logistics graduates have all the appropriate modern skills that this industry is looking for."

"This study, is one example of how Victoria University can use its expertise in applied research to benefit the local community, the economy and the environment."

Professor Richard Carter
Acting Vice Chancellor Victoria University
is available for interview

Dr Pieter Nagel
Director of VU's Institute for Logistics and Supply Chain Management (ILSCM)
is available for interview. Mobile: 0412 505 849

Media Contacts:

Ms Christine White, Media Manager,
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 4322; mobile: 0434 602 884

Andy Gash, Snr. Media Officer,
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 4950; mobile 0411 255 900