Infrastructure Victoria’s discussion paper has been compiled on the back of a request by the Government to provide advice on the future need, timing and location of a second container port in Victoria, by May this year.
Michel Masson, CEO, Infrastructure Victoria, said the body of evidence is the result of many months of technical investigations and engagement with stakeholders and local communities.
“Our advice on when we might need a new port and where it should be located must be based on the best available evidence,” Mr Masson said.
“This is not our advice to the government, it is the information, data and analysis we have collected to date.”
The discussion paper and evidence consider demand projections, the potential capacity of the Port of Melbourne, the navigation of Port Phillip Heads, the availability and cost of road and rail transport links, design, staging and costs, and environmental and social impacts.
To determine when a new port might be needed, the paper looks at various options to expand the capacity of the Port of Melbourne recognising that the potential of existing infrastructure should be explored first.
Mr Masson said: “What is clear from the evidence is that the options of increasing capacity at Port of Melbourne or developing a new Port at Hastings or Bay West have both issues and potential solutions that all need to be considered.”
Infrastructure Victoria is now seeking formal submissions to inform the debate. Community drop-in sessions will also be held in Hastings, Hoppers Crossing and Melbourne throughout March. Consultation on the paper will be open until 5pm Monday 3 April.
More information from http://yoursay.infrastructurevictoria.com.au/ports