Australia: Victorian Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas was in Hastings yesterday (August 31) for the local launch of the Victorian Government's Port Futures strategy and to provide an update on the Port of Hastings Port Land Use and Transport Strategy (PLUTS).
Mr Pallas said Hastings was recognised as a vital part of the future of Victoria's ports system and was already well established as one of four major commercial ports.
"The government is taking action to develop Victoria's ports, securing thousands of jobs, boosting the economy and building for our state's future," he said.
"Hastings has excellent natural advantages as a port location. Through the integration of Melbourne and Hastings, the ports will be developed in a complementary way to maximise their contribution to our economy.
"The integration will eliminate the potential for duplication of resources and will provide for the knowledge and capabilities of the Port of Hastings Corporation to be supplemented by the significant resources and expertise of the Port of Melbourne Corporation."
The port corporation charters will be refreshed to align with the state's broader transport principles and objectives, in particular the future development of Hastings as a container port.
Mr Pallas said the PLUTS outlined how the Port of Hastings would be developed over the next 30 years.
Port of Hastings Corporation CEO Ralph Kenyon said he was pleased the government had responded to community input.
"In its 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," Mr Kenyon said.
"Ports are our gateway to the world," continued Mr Pallas. "Our four commercial ports handle 99 percent of Victoria's international trade, which when combined with coastal trade represented A$100 billion (US$84.5 billion) worth of cargo in 2007-08 financial year."