TASPORTS DECIDES AGAINST CONSOLIDATING NORTHERN PORTS
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Tasmania's ports authority has ruled out closing any of the state's four ports used to import and export goods.
TasPorts has released its 30-year strategic plan endorsing a multi-port system after a detailed investigation into other options, including developing a new single port to cater for all freight.
The multi-billion-dollar price tag of building a new port at either Burnie or Bell Bay or a new location was deemed prohibitive.
The analysis also considered consolidating the Burnie, Devonport and Bell Bay ports into one northern port and keeping the Hobart port in the south but this was also considered too expensive.
Tasports chief executive Paul Weedon said the long-term strategy took into account the predicted freight volumes and port capacity.
"A multi-port system is a more cost-effective and flexible strategy that recognises the role of ports in supporting regional economies," he said.
"It also provides for low-cost and incremental reconfiguration of port infrastructure based on customer needs instead of a 'big bang' approach to port planning."
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