The aim of the Port of Hastings development is to increase capacity and boost competition in the container ports sector servicing Melbourne and Victoria. The Port of Hastings Development Authority’s (PoHDA) will now carry out three key studies based on the development of a hydrodynamic model for Western Port, ecological risk management assessment and port design options. The studies will study and identify current and tidal flows and the potential impacts on the existing environment.
Dr Denis Napthine, Australia’s Minister for ports, said: “These studies are critical to our understanding of how to deliver a world class port that will secure the future of our ports and freight sector while protecting the environmental values of Western Port.”
He added: “The studies are essential to meet the Coalition Government’s commitment to protect the environment while planning for the development of this much needed additional port capacity to handle the growth in Victoria’s imports and exports.”