‘Port’ talk swinging to Avalon

Alex de Vos
State Government is investigating an “inland port” for Avalon.
A spokesperson for Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas confirmed Avalon was among sites under investigation for development of the road and rail distribution point, with an estimated price tag of $55 million.
“A decision about the location of the terminal will be made once ministers have had time to review the study and following discussions with Geelong’s city council,” the spokesperson said.
The Independent reported last week that the Government wanted to build the facility at Altona to free up land around Melbourne’s port for expansion.
But Altona residents have told the Government to look elsewhere, nominating Avalon as an ideal site.
The residents feared the inland port would lead to traffic congestion and noise problems around Altona.
Geelong council representatives this week said they would welcome the facility as an economic boon to the region.
City of Greater Geelong economic development manager Anton Mayer said the proposed inland port would “tick a lot of boxes” at Avalon.
“I think it makes sense to put an inland port at Avalon, both socially and economically,” Mr Mayer said.
“I think Avalon would be most appropriate.”
Mr Mayer said a “major logistics” site like the proposed inland port was a goal of regional council alliance organisation G21.
Councillor Shane Dowling, who holds council’s economic and strategic development portfolio, said the City had been in meetings with the Government on developing the inland port at Avalon.
“It would generate new jobs and economic development within the region,” Cr Dowling said.