BURNIE’S status as Tasmania’s premier container port has been secured with the completion of the $12 million Burnie Port Optimisation Project.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the works had involved enhancing the existing rail intermodal terminal and its links with the Toll terminal and will improve safety for people accessing West Beach.
“The Australian Government’s investment in this project is complemented by the Government’s decision to extend the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES),” Mr Truss said.
“The new TFES Ministerial Directions, which come into effect from 1 January 2016, will enable Tasmanian companies sending goods to the mainland to make claims regardless of the goods' final destination.”
Federal Member for Braddon Brett Whiteley said the works will enhance Burnie Port’s position as the largest Tasmanian general cargo port and improve its efficiency in handling freight.
“The works at Burnie Port have involved redeveloping the Southern Railyard and creating a high productivity transport link within the port precinct from the railyard to the shipping terminal. The expansion of the railyard will also improve community safety and access to the beach, as from early next year trains will no longer need to be shunted along the main waterfront,” Mr Whiteley said.
“The investment in Burnie Port will also complement the Australian and Tasmanian Governments investment in the $119.6 million Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation project which will upgrade track infrastructure to ensure the efficient operation of the Tasmanian rail network.”
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Rene Hidding said the project would deliver significant commercial benefits to the State.
“The Burnie Port optimisation project was funded in a partnership between the Australian and Tasmanian governments, TasPorts, TasRail and Toll Transport,” Mr Hidding said.
“The joint project is a great example of state-wide collaboration and fully integrates freight rail to the port for a seamless, safe and reliable transport system.”
The Australian Government provided $4 million to the $12 million Burnie Port Optimisation project, in partnership with TasPorts ($3 million), the Tasmanian Government ($2 million), Toll Transport ($2 million) and TasRail ($1 million).