Dredging begins at Port Botany as third terminal attracts international bidders
Dredging works at Port Botany will begin Saturday to provide access to the new container terminal as the tendering process for a new stevedore attracts new bidders.
Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi says the works will provide a depth of 20 metres for the new terminal and up to 30 metres below sea level for the foundations.
The dredging will also widen the recreational boat channel and provide material to reclaim 60 hectares of land.
As well as increasing port productivity, Tripodi says the Government’s $1 billion commitment will deliver 9000 new jobs to NSW and boost the economy by $16 billion over the next 20 years.
Although the tendering process has just begun, Tripodi says there has been a lot of international interest in operating the third terminal.
“Sydney Ports Corporation expects the successful operator to commence works as soon as the major infrastructure is complete in 2011 with the first berths to be ready for trade by 2012 – well in time for forecast trade growth,” Mr Tripodi said.
The third terminal is approved to handle up to 1.6 million containers per annum, almost equivalent to the combined throughput of 1.7 million containers of the existing two stevedores.
“The port expansion is an investment in the future of the NSW economy and will cement Sydney’s reputation as a world class trading city with links to global markets to support NSW businesses, exporters and farmers,” Tripodi says.