TASMANIAN premier Jeremy Rockliff has lost patience with shortcomings and delays in readying infrastructure for TT Line’s new Bass Strait ro-paxes and drafted additional management resources.
The government today [14 August] announced it had further intervened to help deliver the temporary berth modifications at the existing TT Line terminal at East Devonport No.1 berth, which have become necessary due to major delays in building the new terminal at No. 3.
Mr Rockliff said two key appointments have been made.
Ben Moloney, who is currently responsible for the management of the delivery of the $786 million new Bridgewater Bridge outside Hobart, has been appointed to collaborate with TT-Line and TasPorts project directors to ensure delivery.
Prior to his role on the Bridgewater Bridge, Mr Moloney oversaw the delivery of the $584 million Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment.
Infrastructure delivery expert, Peter Gemell, has also been appointed to oversee the project, to ensure the berth is ready as soon as possible and also allows for increased capacity for passengers and vehicles.
Mr Gemell will bring a wealth of experience, developed over 40 years managing major infrastructure, buildings and services projects for the private sector and government sponsor agencies, the government said.
Additionally, shareholder Ministers – treasurer and infrastructure minister Michael Ferguson, and transport minister Eric Abetz – will issue further directions to both TT-Line and TasPorts that provide for greater responsibility and access for the Department of State Growth.
The move is in addition to the issuing of a ministerial directive to the two businesses after the Government was made aware of unacceptable delays in the project. It also follows revelations during an inquiry by the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee earlier this week of TT Line’s refusal of assistance from TasPorts when it became evident the landside aspects of Berth 3 were in trouble, due to a failed contract.
Premier Rockliff said that the delivery of the new vessels was a massive project, and an important one for Tasmania.
“I have been clear of my disappointment in these delays, and it’s frankly not acceptable.
“We will pull out all stops to get this done as soon as possible.
“I’m not interested in excuses, or the blame game. I want solutions and I want them now. That’s what Tasmanians deserve and expect.”
The building of the new, purpose-built ships is a once-in-a-generation project that will deliver significant benefits to Tasmania’s visitor economy and the broader Tasmanian economy for many years to come, the government said.
