Australia: Officials Discuss Port of Hastings Development

Western Port community representatives came together last week to receive an update on the Port of Hastings container expansion and to discuss issues raised by their community networks.

Speaking at the second meeting of the Port of Hastings Development Authority’s stakeholder engagement network, PORTicipate, CEO Mike Lean said that a key component of the planning and assessment process is to ensure that community values and insights are discussed and considered as part of the project’s development.

“The Western Port community’s involvement in the planning approvals process is critical to the development of the container expansion project and will lead to outcomes that benefit all parties,” Mr Lean said.

Following the introductory PORTicipate meeting in February, the second meeting focused on issues relating to environmental matters and the next steps in the project’s planning process.

PORTicipate members were also given an inside look into the Authority’s current planning activities, including further detail on last month’s appointment of lead study consultant teams. The studies will help guide the Authority over the next three to four years to develop detailed scientific and port design studies, impact assessments, environmental approvals and development of the business case.

PORTicipate is one of the many ways the Port of Hastings Development Authority will engage with stakeholders and the local community as the project progresses.

The Authority also will convene the second Council Advisory Group meeting this week with CEOs and Mayors from Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast, Casey, Cardinia and Frankston to discuss the views, concerns and advice from local councils.

[mappress]

Press Release, May 26, 2014