A new port for the Spirit of Tasmania vessels in Victoria will future-proof the service, increase freight capacity and provide access to secondary tourism markets from New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
TT-Line’s announcement today that it will move its Victorian port to Corio Quay, north of Geelong, will ensure the service has a bright future and can continue to grow.
Our tourism industry is hurting right now but it is important we are ready to welcome visitors back to Tasmania in the future, post COVID-19.
Importantly, the massive new 12-hectare site will increase freight capacity to get more Tasmanian goods to interstate markets. The current freight holding yard at Station Pier is small and well below standard. This is causing major traffic and logistics problems and is putting pressure on our primary producers’ ability to meet projected market growth demand, and we want to be able to meet that increased demand.
The new site will also allow for more efficient passenger vehicle check in, a passenger vehicle marshalling area for 600 cars, passenger amenities, security facilities, food and beverage outlets, children’s play area and a pet exercise area.
The new port also provides an excellent financial outcome for TT-Line and its customers, where TT-Line would otherwise have seen significant cost increases at Station Pier, which would have been passed onto freight customers and passengers, without the fit-for-purpose and future proof facility that new port offers.
More Media Releases from Michael Ferguson
More Media Releases from the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport