Industry call to keep port in public hands

Jessica Benton
STATE Government is weighing up whether taxpayers will foot the bill for Portarlington’s $56 million harbour redevelopment.
But the town’s mussel farmers want the harbour to remain in public hands to avoid a private developer pricing them out of their berths.
State Government has begun considering whether to fund the redevelopment with either public or private money or a mix of both.
Marine Farmers Group chairman Lance Wiffen said Portarlington operators feared the same fate as counterparts forced out of Queenscliff after a private operator redeveloped and took over the town’s harbour.
“Following the experience at Queenscliff where seemingly professional fisherman were priced out because of berthing fees and other issues, we’re hoping the commercial side of things at Portarlington could be left in the public purse,” Mr Wiffen said.
He did not think commercial-sector upgrades at Portarlington would need “big dollars”.
“The original layout of the pier is very similar to how the commercial sector is going to finish up – the recreational sector is where the big dollars will be spent.
Mr Wiffen said a harbour upgrade was crucial for the future of the town’s aquaculture industry.
“There’s a limited lifespan on the existing facilities.
“It won’t take long before it has to be shut or is of no use to us. For us, the upgrades are crucial.”
Parks Victoria’s Elaine Carbine said the department was preparing a submission on funding options to State Government.
“The business case will include various models for the Government’s consideration including full public funding or a combination of public and private funding.”
The harbour redevelopment was initially forecast to cost $30 million but Ms Carbines said the total project would now be worth $58 million.
Harbour works would cost $36 million while $22 million would go toward foreshore and streetscape components.
The Government released its final Portarlington Safe Harbour Plan earlier this month.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Gavin Jennings said the plan supported the mussel industry.
Other components included ferry berths, a town square, walking trails, reconfigured parking and a “small scale” commercial business precinct, he said.