Bulk port at Geelong prepares for hefty increase in throughput
The Victorian Government has announced new port planning zones for Geelong, Hastings and Portland.
The zone will assist the state’s $23 billion freight and logistics industry and provide certainty and consistency for port operators, councils and communities, allowing for the development and expansion of port operations while protecting surrounding areas, planning minister Matthew Guy says.
Volumes for the state’s second largest port, Port of Geelong, are set to increase to 16.5 million tonnes by 2020.
It handled 13 million tonnes of cargo last year.
“It is an important part of our freight network and an important asset that needs to be prioritised and maximised for bulk trade,” Guy says.
The new zone will ensure the City of Geelong and the port operator get on with the job of planning and developing a regional freight and logistics precinct, he adds.
“The Port of Geelong is a major piece of infrastructure for the Victorian economy – the Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA) was appointed as Ports City coordinator in June to manage proposed infrastructure projects for the port, and already a $6 million dredging project has commenced, attracting larger ships and increased trade.
“Coupled with the government’s recent announcement of a $3.5 million upgrade in roads leading to the port, we are ensuring the port can service increased traffic including heavy vehicles such and B-doubles and high productivity freight vehicles.”