This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Victorian government has approved the $1.6 billion Port of Melbourne redevelopment.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy has approved the Port Capacity Project, for works to commence at Melbourne’s Webb Dock.
“The Port Capacity Project demonstrates the Coalition Government’s commitment to ensuring the Port of Melbourne remains Australia’s leading container, automotive and general cargo port,” he added.
Minister for Ports Denis Napthine said the Coalition government was committed to ensuring Victoria maintained its status at the nation’s freight and logistics capital.
“The expansion of the port will deliver substantial economic benefits to Victoria by providing 1,100 direct jobs and 1,900 indirect jobs while catering for the forecast demand in freight.
“After 11 years under a Labor Government who dithered, procrastinated and delayed on taking action to secure Victoria’s freight future, this decision to develop Webb Dock was required to prevent the state economy from going into meltdown due to debilitating congestion in our ports,”
“This decision means that the works at Webb Dock can now proceed, enabling Melbourne’s third container terminal and new world-class automotive facilities to be operational in late 2016,” Dr Napthine said.
Guy confirmed that the Port of Melbourne Corporation will be required to comply with strict environmental standards to protect the Bay, waterways and the natural environment.
Other approvals have been already been received from various government departments including the Commonwealth who has given the Project the green light under its Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
An extensive consultation process involving the community and key stakeholders including local councils, relevant State Government departments, VicRoads, Friends of Westgate Park and port operators has been undertaken.
Property Review
