The Port of Hastings has in recent months been thrust into the spotlight. But who is involved, who is opposed, and why should a large, $4 billion port be built in the Westernport area? Star reporter Shaun Inguanzo gives a brief of the plan, the Port of Hastings and the community response.What is the Port of Hastings project?
A 30-year project costing up to $4 billion to convert a Hastings port into Victoria’s next international shipping container port, similar to the Port of Melbourne.
The port will require new, complex rail and road links to transport goods across the state.
This is not to be confused with separate plans by a private company for an inland port or freight distribution centre near Lyndhurst.
Why a new port?
According to the Port of Hastings Corporation, the new port would be naturally deeper than the Port of Melbourne, allowing for larger container ships to dock and leading to increased trade for Victoria.
The new port would also be conveniently located near Greater Dandenong’s manufacturing precinct in Dandenong South, where over 40 per cent of the state’s manufacturing businesses reside.
Who is involved?
The Port of Hastings Corporation (POHC), with a board that manages the port’s operations.
A draft report has been released containing plans for the new port.
Anyone can make a submission to comment on the report.
Closing date for submissions is 14 March 2007.
What are the plans?
Aside from the port itself, corporation has identified three transport options identifying possible road and rail routes in order to move goods across the state.
These options are the crux of an ongoing public debate.
The three corridors are:
Port Phillip Corridor
Westernport Corridor
Gippsland Corridor
The corporation has been holding public meetings to gauge the community response to its options and of late has publicly discounted plans for the new freight rail line in its Port Phillip option, which would run through Noble Park.
Its chief executive Ralph Kenyon said this week that the corporation would submit all options to the State Government along with a report of the findings from its consultation.
The State Government will then select an option.Who is objecting, and why?
Residents concentrated across the Westernport, Casey and Cardinia regions have so far been the most vocal objectors to the port.
The Westernport Action Group (WAG) is leading a charge to abolish plans for the new port for the fear it will destroy the Westernport region’s biosphere and have a negative impact on the lifestyles of residents living near the freight rail line.
How do I learn more?
Visit the Port of Hastings Corporation website for public documents, including the draft plan.
www.portofhastings.vic.gov.au
For more information about residents’ concerns, visit the Westernport Action Group’s site, www.westernportactiongroup.com.
