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The Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas, outlined the State Government’s vision for the Port of Hastings to a group of Western Port community organisations, businesses and residents on Monday August 31st, 2009 at a community update meeting at Western Port Marina.
Responding to the Port Land Use and Transport Strategy (PLUTS) submitted to the Government by the Port of Hastings Corporation in December 2007, Mr Pallas advised that the port is recognised as one of four major commercial ports in Victoria and a key element of the Government’s vision and plans to develop an integrated, sustainable transport system for Victoria over the next 20 years.
“I firmly believe that the Port of Hastings is well positioned to serve as Melbourne’s second container port,” said Mr Pallas. “No other port location offers the same overall advantages as Hastings and it holds major economical potential for the entire State.”
Port of Hastings Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Kenyon, stated that he was pleased that the Government had listened and responded to community input.
“In it’s response to the PLUTS, the Government has acted upon changes sought by the community. Environmental issues will be fully investigated and assessed and the community will be consulted throughout the planning process,” said Mr Kenyon. “Most importantly, the Government’s response supports the Port of Hastings Corporation’s vision of establishing leadership in the expansion phase, guiding future construction and management of a sustainable ‘green port’ at Hastings.”
Mr Pallas said that the Victorian Government recognises the significant and sensitive environmental values of the Western Port environment, the community interest in and awareness of port activity and the importance of sustainable port operations.
“I am particularly excited by the proposition to develop the Port of Hastings as a world leader in ‘green port’ development and management,” he said.
The community update meeting at Hastings is the first Mr Pallas has attended since announcing Port Futures in Melbourne last Friday. With the goal of introducing improved policy and strategy to ensure economic prosperity and sustainability of Victoria’s ports, Port Futures addresses port governance arrangements; planning and protection; and port safety, security and environmental performance issues.
With key Government strategies and policies now in place, the Port of Hastings Corporation can commence the staged planning of the port expansion over the next 30 years.
“The Port of Hastings Corporation is committed to following the statutory processes required to obtain approvals for expansion of the port,” said Mr Kenyon. “Today is the first day of the Government, the Corporation and the community working together to establish a unique situation – a sustainable ‘green port’ that acknowledges the entire Western Port community, whether their interests are social, environmental or economic.”
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