By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
MANUFACTURING Minister David Hodgett has admitted to “mixed views” on Public Transport Victoria’s decision to overlook Dandenong-based Ventura in favour of an overseas bid for 30 per cent of Victoria’s metropolitan bus routes.
Last Monday, Mr Hodgett had some explaining to do to local bus industry representatives at the launch of Dandenong South bus maker Volgren’s new line of Optimus buses, the first of 38 to be supplied to Ventura.
Ventura and Volgren managers at the launch did not hide their distress about the PTV decision to award its tender to French-based transport group Transdev the week before.
Mr Hodgett said he would set up talks to help Volgren supply buses for the Transdev routes.
“Manufacturers do it tough at times. Local content is what I’m interested in. Volgren sets a great example for the future of Victorian manufacturing, developing leading edge products for specialist markets, through a focus on skills and innovation.”
He conceded the decision had “implications” for Ventura, but was assured all bidders made Victorian Industry Participation Plan commitments to use local suppliers.
Volgren sales and marketing general manager Tony Kerr said the tender decision could cause potential flow-on damage to the bus maker.
“We employ 280 people on site. That decision makes us look at our overhead costs.
“We’re trying to lobby the minister that the successful owner of the tender is not using cheap imported buses but buses that are built here.”
He said the company was “not getting the Australian government contracts we used to”, and was looking for export opportunities.
The Optimus buses, each worth up to $480,000, were created in a $3 million research project in partnership with Monash University.
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