Australia: Key Studies Awarded for Hastings Port Development

Five packages of work valued at $2.3 million for key studies to support the development of the Port of Hastings have been awarded following a rigorous tender process.

Minister for Ports Denis Napthine said the tenders received a significant response from the Victorian infrastructure development industry, and would allow key pieces of vital work to commence.

“These work packages are an important step towards developing Victoria’s second container port, and will underpin the design of the future port,” Dr Napthine said.

“Fast-tracking the development of the Port of Hastings has always been a priority, and the completion of the tender process allows important work to progress, including environmental assessments which are critical when considering port design options.

“The studies will provide the Port of Hastings Development Authority with the necessary information to develop a pre-feasibility business case to take development planning to the next level,” Dr Napthine said.

Acting Chief Executive of the Port of Hastings Development Authority, Ralph Kenyon, said the completion of the tender process followed other recent milestones for the Port of Hastings Development Authority, including the establishment of a new permanent office space, a prominent shop front in central Hastings and the appointment of key personnel.

“The tender process for these five work packages was highly competitive with more than 40 expressions of interest received from across industry,” Mr Kenyon said.

“After a rigorous evaluation process Deloitte, GHD, AECOM, Cardno and URS Australia have been selected as the successful tenderers for these works.

“The work that these organisations will do, starting in January, will include a mix of field-based and desktop analysis which will significantly advance planning for the development of the Port of Hastings as Victoria’s second container terminal.

“Stakeholder and community input will be a vital part of this process,” Mr Kenyon said.

Member for Hastings Neale Burgess said the Coalition Government was working quickly and efficiently to deliver the ground work needed to build a new container port at Hastings to safeguard the future of the ports and freight sector and the Victorian economy.

“The State Government is focused on developing the Port of Hastings in close consultation with the community; to ensure that the best possible outcome is produced for the economy, the community and the environment,” Mr Burgess said.

“We will work with the community and our stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome.”

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Press Release, February 7, 2013