Geelong will become the Spirit of Tasmania’s new Victorian home following an announcement by GeelongPort.
GeelongPort chief executive officer Brett Winter today announced the relocation from Port Melbourne to Corio Quay, describing it as a “huge coup” for Geelong.
The relocation will increase tourism expenditure in greater Geelong by up to $174.1 million by 2029, he said.
“Each year over 450,000 passengers and 105,000 twenty-foot equivalent units of freight sail with Spirit of Tasmania.”
Following an agreement with the service’s operator, TT-Line, GeelongPort now plans to develop a 12-hectare site for the service including passenger and freight terminals.
Mr Winter expected the project to create 75 construction jobs over two years.
“Now, more than ever, opportunities to inject new jobs and economic growth into the greater Geelong region are crucial,” he said.
“Working with our key stakeholders, we need to streamline our planning approvals so that this important project will be ready for 2022”.
Plans for the site include a marshalling area for 600 cars, security facilities, public amenities, crew accommodation, a cafe, children’s play area and a pet exercise area.
“GeelongPort have designed a solution to optimise the overall port experience, whilst providing unprecedented flexibility and value to Spirit of Tasmania and their customers,” Mr Winter said.
GeelongPort would work with with TT-Line, the Victorian Government and Geelong council on the project, he said.
“We’ll develop a plan to ensure there’s appropriate infrastructure to support the increase in traffic and minimise any potential disruption to our customers and the local community during both construction and operational phases.”
GeelongPort has imported and exported goods into and through Geelong for more than 150 years.
