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AQIS - AusBulk agreement to benefit grain exports
30 October 2000
A strategic accord aimed at ensuring and improving the integrity and efficiency of South Australian grain exports was signed earlier this month by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) and bulk handling company AusBulk Ltd.
The accord will allow AQIS to conduct 'in-line' inspections of grain exports instead of the traditional end-point inspections, providing major benefits such as improved product monitoring and assured shipping programs.
A first for Australian bulk handling companies, the accord with AQIS places AusBulk - formerly South Australian Co-operative Bulk Handling Ltd - at the "cutting edge" of national developments to improve grain industry export performance and efficiency according to AQIS Plant and Grain Section manager for South Australia, Kevin Bartolo.
"The accord opens the way for an active partnership of innovation and integrity between AQIS and AusBulk," Mr Bartolo said. "The two organisations have worked closely together for many years."
Mr Bartolo said the strong working relationship between AQIS and AusBulk had in the past benefited from service level agreements.
"Having found the benefits arising from these agreements far exceeded expectations, it was felt there was scope for greater improvement if such principles could be supported by those responsible within the grain storage and handling industry for policy making and strategic planning," he said.
"The strategic accord signed on October 13 represents a very real opportunity to bring about a significant improvement in the way export grain is managed and inspected. In the long term this means cost reductions, increased productivity and increased trade - all of which is good for the grain growers of South Australia.
"In undertaking the accord, AusBulk are clearly establishing themselves as the leaders of innovation within the grain industry and are to be heartily applauded for their foresight."
AusBulk chief operating officer John Warda said the accord complemented AusBulk's drive for efficiency along the entire grain export path in South Australia.
"We recognise this important initiative will not only lead to a mutually profitable and much closer working partnership with AQIS," Mr Warda said. "It will also lead to greater efficiencies in grain exports, the benefits of which can be passed on to grain growers.
"The accord is also very timely, coming as it does at the start of what could be a record South Australian harvest. With grain production on the rise in this State, the industry is obliged to seek efficiencies where it can to ensure growers receive the maximum benefits of increased production.
"We're confident that AQIS have done AusBulk and South Australian growers a great service by initiating discussions which have led to this accord. It makes good sense to bring AQIS and AusBulk closer together so that these aims may be achieved."
For more information please contact:
· Cathy Haynes, AQIS: phone 8305 9731, mobile 0418 851 302, email cathy.haynes@aqis.gov.au;
· Richard Henderson, AusBulk Ltd: phone 8304 5105, mobile 0408 087 105, email r.henderson@ausbulk.com.au.
For more details
Contact: Cathy Haynes, AQIS
Phone: (08) 8305 9731
Mobile: 0418 851 302
or
Contact: Richard Henderson, AusBulk Ltd.
Phone: (08) 8304 5105
Mobile: 0408 087 105