Local and specialist police will this week unite in a show of force to ensure safety and security in and around Port of Portland.
The three-day operation between Wednesday 14 September and Friday 16 September is primarily focused on maritime safety and heavy vehicles.
The operation will involve police officers from across multiple local and state-wide units, including Warrnambool and Portland Highway Patrol, Warrnambool and Portland Crime Investigation and Uniform branches; Trident Taskforce; Heavy Vehicle Unit and Water Police.
Officers from Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police, Transport Safety Victoria, Victorian Fisheries Authority and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Heavy Vehicle Regulator will support police in a multi-agency effort.
During the operation, police will be out in force on the ground and water conducting safety checks of vehicles and vessels, as well as checks of persons accessing port related areas including ships.
Police will also conduct alcohol and drug tests on truck drivers and boat operators in and around the port, to further ensure the safety of operational areas.
A similar operation in April 2021 saw more than 750 vehicles and vessels checked with about 50 penalty notices issued.
Quotes attributed to Victoria Police Inspector Josh Tink – Warrnambool Region Investigation & Response Manager:
“The Port of Portland is one of Australia’s busiest regional ports with a high volume of traffic both on the water and the wharf. Police are committed to ensuring it remains a safe and secure place for everyone who uses it.
“Police will continue to work with law enforcement partners to enhance our capability to ensure security in and around Port of Portland remains tight.
“This operation will allow police to gather vital information about port activity, which will inform how we can better protect this major maritime transportation hub.”
Quotes attributed to ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Heavy Vehicle Regulator Chief Operating Officer Paul Salvati:
“The NHVR will be conducting inspections on driver fatigue and heavy vehicle roadworthiness, mass, dimension, and load restraint requirements at the Port of Portland and local surrounding areas.
“Our compliance and enforcement activities are centred around education to ensure industry meets their Heavy Vehicle ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Law obligations and create safer roads for the region.”
Quotes attributed to Australian Border Force Superintendent Allister Keel:
“The ABF has a vital role in safeguarding waterfront environments and has established Operation Jardena to boost our ability to combat criminal infiltration of supply chains.
“We are keenly aware of the reliance of organised crime figures on people within various industries to assist with their criminal endeavours.
“Our trained officers and dedicated detector dog teams undertake a variety of compliance examinations and activity alongside our law enforcement partners.
“The ABF’s Border Watch program also plays an important role in uncovering illegal activity at the border. We encourage anyone aware of suspicious border activity to report it to Border Watch, and you can do so anonymously.”
