Infrastructure Victoria (IV) has weighed into the debate about plans for a second container port to complement Melbourne.
In a report on Victoria’s infrastructure needs, IV says a critical issue is deciding when Victoria will need a second port and where it might be located, as these are decisions that will have a “significant impact” on Victorian supply chains.
“The decision to proceed with a second container port is unlikely to be required for some time, and it will be important for government to understand the triggers and lead times associated with developing a second port,” the report says.
While there may be some costs entailed in keeping options open for longer, there were also risks associated with making a rash decision. “Making a decision on incomplete information risks getting the decision wrong, which would have significant negative consequences for Victoria’s economy, environment and society,” the report says. Infrastructure Victoria has been asked by the government to provide advice on the timing or location of a new port by May next year.
The report goes on to say that the Port of Melbourne needs a port-rail access policy within five years. This would enable the preparation of a timely response to the strategy, which will be delivered by the new Port of Melbourne operator within three years of the signing of the port lease.
