TASPORTS has revealed details of its Project QuayLink, which is to secure the port as the Apple Isle’s future gateway for tourism and trade.
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said after almost five years of planning, TasPorts’ largest project under its Port Master Plan is now in full flight.
“Aptly named Project QuayLink, the name recognises the important history of East Devonport, previously known as Torquay and the critical future that the port will provide as a key link between Tasmania and the mainland,” he said.
“As part of Project QuayLink, two state-of-the-art roll-on-roll-off berths and terminals will be developed, as well as a multi-user berth to support future growth opportunities at the Port of Devonport.”
Mr Donald also said QuayLink would improve the local amenity through improvements in traffic management, landscaping and streetscaping to create a place port users want to visit.
“To support community connection with the new port precinct, TasPorts is exploring opportunities to develop a commercial precinct as part of the proposed project works,” Mr Donald said.
This will offer unique business opportunities for East Devonport, providing further benefits to local communities.”
TasPorts has a multi-layered strategy to ensure the Port of Devonport plays a pivotal role in supporting its customers and the Tasmanian government’s 200% renewable energy target by 2040.
Mr Donald said the strategy will support a smarter, faster and cleaner port, through a range of sustainability initiatives, including enabling provision for electric vehicle charging stations, LNG ship refuelling and renewable energy shore power.
“Project QuayLink will set the sustainability standard for TasPorts’ future infrastructure developments and through this project, we are seeking to gain certification from EcoPorts, the key environmental initiative of the European port sector,” Mr Donald said.
TasPorts is progressing through project planning and has already shifted into project delivery, with Stage 1 of the early works on Berth 2E completed, and Stage 2 currently in design. Work on the next major works package is progressing well, with a preferred contractor expected to be appointed in mid-2022.
Mr Donald said the project’s success will be underpinned by a strong team, which is already being established.
“TasPorts is building a highly specialised project team to support the project, with 20 employees currently working on Project QuayLink and more positions earmarked for 2022,” he said.
“TasPorts has established the project’s headquarters on Wright Street in East Devonport to ensure a close connection to community, contractors and the project site, during the early stages of the project.”
“TasPorts’ aspiration is to leave a positive legacy for residents and businesses of Devonport, especially those living near the port. The aim is to reduce impact to the community as much as possible during this project and as such, we will be engaging with businesses, residents and community groups as the project continues to progress,” he said.
“QuayLink’s project team has already commenced consultation with key stakeholders, including the Devonport Council and industry groups. As the project continues to drive forward, the team will shortly shift into wider community engagement.”
Tasmanian minister for infrastructure and transport Michael Ferguson said the port infrastructure upgrades will support the arrival of commissioned new vessels for Bass Strait operators, which will see an anticipated increase in freight capacity by 40%.
“The project will deliver a deepened berthing pocket for the new vessels, upgrades to navigation, electric vehicle charging stations and LNG ship refuelling as well as shore power,” he said.
“The project will also deliver a three-dimensional vessel port monitoring system, providing an additional layer of safety for all vessels operating in the Mersey River.”
