PORT of Melbourne is working through the next steps in its Port Capacity Enhancement Program. These steps, the port said, would help determine when additional capacity is needed.
The proposed PCEP has two objectives: to enable the development of a Webb Dock North container terminal and to secure the future of Tasmanian trades.
In a presentation on the project, the port said current container trade projections indicate the port will need additional capacity around 2030.
And, the best area to build that capacity is at Webb Dock North – current home of the Tasmanian Bass Strait operations.
The port proposed to move the Tasmanian trade operations to a redeveloped Appleton/Victoria Docks.
The port said it is “committed to stakeholder engagement that is inclusive, timely, genuine and transparent”.
The port said its key focus in the coming months is to engage with its stakeholders and seek feedback on four independent reports that will cover port capacity, ship fleet forecast and demand forecast. The reports will be published next month and will be used to inform a cost-benefit analysis.
The port said its immediate next steps include:
- Early September 2022, publish the independent expert reports and a more detailed stakeholder engagement presentation pack.
- Mid September 2022, commence face to face and online engagement, at which time we will request your feedback on the validity of independent expert reports.
- October 2022, receive all written feedback from stakeholders.
- November 2022, publish a stakeholder engagement report.
