"In 2008 the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association [ICHCA] and the Australian Chapter have done well in strengthening the cargo supply chain" said Tony Grant, Chairman of ICHCA Australia Ltd. "As an independent self funded not for profit industry body we rely on our members and their participation to progress key cargo handling initiatives. We also represent member views to Governments and feed back important information to the industry" he added.

ICHCA Australia's links to the International body, ICHCA International, were significantly strengthened in 2008 with John Strang taking on the role of Chairman David Bendall remaining as Deputy Chairman and Laurence Jones and Tony Grant joining the Board.

Tony Grant, Chairman Ken Fitzpatrick, Deputy Chairman Neil Murphy, Chairman SA John Strang, ICHCA International Chairman

In Australia Tony Grant took on the role of Chairman of ICHCA Australia and Ken Fitzpatrick the role of Deputy Chairman. In South Australia Neil Murphy took on the role of State Chairman.

In 2007 ICHCA Australia and the SA Freight Council held a highly successful Conference and Exhibition in Adelaide. In 2008 ICHCA International held an excellent Biennial Conference in Busan in Korea. You really have to be part of these Conferences in Australia and overseas to appreciate and gain value from the richness of information presented and to take up the value of strengthening your business network.

In August ICHCA met with Senior Officials in Canberra and received highly productive briefings on the initiatives of the new Government. ICHCA also flagged a range of issues including:

• Continued Funding of Australian Freight Councils


• The urgent need for container statistics


• Impact on Industry if Australia becomes a signatory "Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods wholly or partly by Sea"


• Strategic Role of Shipping including - Greenhouse comparison, CIF v FOB and Balance of Payments impacts, Role in Port Planning, means of reducing cargo transfer costs from land to ship etc.


• Hazards of Fumes in Containers


• Unsecured access to goods on some general cargo import berths


• Food Miles - Impact on Australia


• Export Grain Food quality container issues


• On-board sterilisation of export grain with minor insect infestation


• AQIS export inspection costs for remote regional locations

In South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales the successful ICHCA Luncheon Speaker program covered topics including:

• Peak Oil Peak Oil - What is it and what does it mean for Transport and Logistics?


• Why Rail?" - the benefits and requirements of rail transport


• Moving Cargo in Victoria - What the State needs to meet the challenges ahead


• Staying Ahead of the Game - Future Expansions of Abbot Point


• Centrex Metals and Eyre Peninsula developments: Development of Iron Ore Mining and Export Operations In South Australia


• Development of the Maritime Precinct at Port Adelaide and the Air Warfare Defence Program


• Challenges facing the Shipping Industry in Australia including meeting the current Global economic crisis


• Growing Regional Rail Opportunities in South Australia


• Sydney Ports & Logistics - A New Future

As an effective means of communicating with ICHCA Members both our national and international newsletters were regularly sent out. In addition ICHCA Australia's monthly e-newsletter gain added impetus in its coverage of a wide range of newsworthy topics.

In 2009 ICHCA has plenty on its plate and is keen to increase its membership from companies and individuals involved throughout the trade and transport chain across all modes. E-mail ian.lovell@bigpond.com for further information.

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