The signing of a lease for up to 30 years for the Port of Burnie’s Terminal 4 has been hailed as a win for freight between Tasmania and the mainland.
TasPorts and Strait Link signed a Heads of Agreement on May 7 that will bolster Tasmania’s supply chains well into the future.
Tasmania’s Minister for Infrastructure, Kerry Vincent, says the agreement will provide confidence and encourage investment in the infrastructure at the port.
“This agreement ensures Tasmania’s supply chain remains strong, sustainable and competitive into the future,” Vincent says.
“Strait Link transports a significant portion of the overnight Bass Strait freight volume, making it a vital contributor to Tasmania’s transport network.
“This agreement ensures our exporters, manufacturers and regional communities continue to have access to reliable, daily freight services and is a major step toward securing the future of Tasmania’s supply chain.”
The agreement also reflects a transition to TasPorts’ standardised Schedule of Port Charges, supporting sustainable pricing and consistency across port users.
“I’d like to congratulate TasPorts and Strait Link on working so constructively and professionally to achieve an outcome in the best interests of Tasmanians,” the Minister says.
Final terms are expected to be completed by mid-2025.