$8b port bid alive

By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
STATE Government will investigate a proposal for an $8 billion container port between Geelong and Werribee, Freedom of Information documents have revealed.
The documents, obtained by the opposition, revealed that the Government had hired consultant firm GHD to examine the Bay West option against the Port of Hastings.
Shadow ports minister Tim Pallas said the Department of Transport was studying Bay West despite Government claims it was off the agenda.
The Independent reported in September that a confidential Department of Transport briefing advised investigation of the Bay West container option.
The briefing documents, whichthe opposition also obtained under FoI, warned that the Government’s preferred option at Hastings could be too small.
The Independent reported in June that industry supported a Bay West container port between Point Wilson and Werribee.
A western transport study identified Bay West as the best option for a container port for transportation links.
Victorian Freight and Logistics Council and Property Council of Australia both support consideration of Bay West.
Mr Pallas said the Baillieu Government could waste nearly $20 billion on three Victorian ports when building Bay West to serve the state for several decades would save taxpayers more than $10 billion.
“(Ports Minister) Mr Napthine would have you believe that Bay West is at least 50 years away, after Hastings is developed as a container port, but the minister’s own department seems to have other ideas,” Mr Pallas said.
“The Baillieu Government’s current plan is to ignore industry specialists, departmental advice and common sense and plough ahead on a multi-billion spending spree for a port that will cost business, the consumer and taxpayers more.”
City of Greater Geelong economic development head Terry Demeo said at a VECCI regional Victoria conference two weeks ago that Bay West would create huge supply chain efficiencies.
Mr Demeo said dredging would allow fully laden bulk and container ships to gain access to the port.
“It would also open up new tourism opportunities for the state’s south and west by creating the possibility of Geelong becoming a permanent destination for cruise liners,” he stold the conference.