The multi-million Queenscliff Ferry Terminal has officially opened, offering passengers modern facilities and a safer car and passenger ferry service between Sorrento and Queenscliff in Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay.

The redevelopment is jointly funded under the Geelong City Deal, with the Federal Government contributing $10 million and Searoad Ferries contributing the balance of project costs.

Federal Member for Corio, Richard Marles, joined Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, and Member for Bellarine, Alison Marchant, to represent the Victorian Minister for Regional Development, Harriet Shing, at the formal opening of the completed ferry terminal redevelopment supported by the Geelong City Deal.

Mr Marles called the completion of the ferry terminal redevelopment a great win for Greater Geelong.

“The Queenscliff Ferry Terminal will open up another gateway into the beautiful city of Geelong and its surrounds,” Mr Marles said.

“The modern new terminal, along with the many thousands of passengers that Searoad Ferries will bring, is going to be great for local tourism and business.”

The new terminal building and site features modern facilities and bathrooms, safer access, improved car parking, function rooms, a retail space and indoor and outdoor dining offering spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay and Port Phillip Heads.

The new terminal building was designed by F2 Architecture and built by Kane Construction.

Ms Coker said, “From the first crossing in 1987 to the opening of this new facility, the ferry service in Queenscliff has connected people on both sides of Port Phillip Bay. This new terminal will secure local jobs and boost tourism in the region.”

The terminal opened prior to completion in December 2022 to accommodate high visitor numbers to the region over the summer peak season.

The final stage of the project, completed at the beginning of 2023, delivered a new public boardwalk and gantry providing an accessible and safe route for passengers to board and disembark the ferry, as well as an upper level of the terminal building and other outdoor elements.

The completion of the redevelopment delivers a safer and more enjoyable experience for motorists and pedestrians using the car and passenger ferry service.

The Queenscliff Ferry Terminal supported 71 new jobs during construction and an additional 22 new ongoing jobs within the ferry operations.

Ms Shing, said, “This Geelong City Deal project provides an economic boost to the region – creating more jobs and more reasons for people to experience this world-class gateway to Geelong and the Great Ocean Road.”

Searoad Ferries is the iconic car and passenger ferry service between Sorrento and Queenscliff in Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay.

CEO at Searoad Ferries, Matt McDonald, said, “The new Queenscliff Ferry Terminal provides Searoad Ferries’ customers with a world-class experience. It has delivered an improved infrastructure project between government and the private sector that holds enormous potential for creating jobs and boosting the local economy.”

Operating since 1987, the service carries more than 250,000 vehicles and 960,000 people every year making it the busiest car and passenger ferry service in Australia.

Ms Marchant, said, “This exciting development creates an unbeatable experience for locals and visitors and delivers a tourism drawcard for the region that will strengthen the local economy and build new jobs in our communities.”

The $500 million Geelong City Deal is a plan to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road by the Federal and Victorian governments, and the City of Greater Geelong.

The Moorebank Logistics Park (MLP) has officially begun construction, including a container handling facility and a dedicated rail link to Port Botany, funded by a $570 million boost from the Federal Government.

Federal Minister of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “The progress being made at Moorebank demonstrates our government’s commitment to supporting a more efficient, resilient and integrated transport and logistics supply chain, which is vital for many Australian businesses and the national economy.

“This project will significantly enhance the resilience of Australia’s supply chain, while providing thousands of local jobs and reducing transport emissions.

“It will also support more competitive freight costs, reduce traffic congestion, increase road safety and deliver better environmental outcomes.

“This is yet another example of our government’s commitment to delivering the world-class infrastructure that will form the backbone of Australia’s future economy.”

The project is expected to support over 1,300 jobs during construction and 6,800 ongoing jobs once operating at full capacity.

With the capacity to service 1,800m long interstate trains, each moving approximately 1,500t of consumer goods, the terminal will become a major interchange point for freight along the east coast.

This will replace over 100 B-double trucks per train trip, reducing congestion on Australian roads while facilitating the expected increase in future freight volumes.

With a site area of over 240h – equivalent in size to the Sydney CBD – the entire MLP will include:

• The already operational dedicated rail link to Port Botany
• The now underway interstate terminal, which will link Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
• Over 850,000m2 of state-of-the-art warehousing
• Links to key roads, including the M5 and M7

Federal Minister of Finance, Katy Gallagher, said, “Faster and more reliable freight transport services will be beneficial to the Australian economy.”

“It not only provides savings for businesses, but it will also lower prices for Australian families, helping alleviate cost of living pressures.”

The MLP will complement the progressive freight enhancements in the national network such as the additional capability brought online through Inland Rail, as well as terminals for Melbourne and Brisbane.

With works on the container handling facilities commencing, the interstate terminal remains on schedule and will be operational early 2024.For more information on the Moorebank Interstate Terminal, visit www.micl.com.au/interstate-terminal

The Port Rail Transformation Project (PRTP) is set to provide better rail freight solutions through the official opening of a new permanent two-way, single lane in each direction, port vehicle road connecting Dock Link Road and Mullaly Close/Coode Road.

The new road has been named Intermodal Way and is a reflection of the seamless integration of maritime, rail, and road freight modes which converge at the port to move vital cargo that supports the operation of communities, the state, and the nation.

The new road will also make it more efficient to move containers by rail and bypassing roads in inner Melbourne.

Intermodal Way provides an uninterrupted east-west connection for the movement of containers between Dock Link Road and the wider port area.

The new port vehicle road also facilitates the closure of a section of Coode Road between Dock Link Road and Phillipps Road.

Port of Melbourne CEO, Saul Cannon, said, “We are thrilled to announce the completion and opening of Intermodal Way, a key component of the Port Rail Transformation Project.

“We are proud of the progress we have made with the PRTP and are excited to see the benefits it will bring to the port and the wider community.

“This is important progress on meeting the growing demand for better rail freight solutions and will enable more containers to be moved by rail more efficiently, bypassing roads in inner Melbourne.”

The PRTP involves the development and construction of a new rail terminal interfacing with the Swanson Dock East International Container Terminal. The rail terminal includes two new sidings that can handle 600m long trains. Common user rail infrastructure will also be upgraded.

The Federal Court has dismissed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) appeal over New South Wales’ ports privatisation process, upholding the 2021 judgement that the Port Commitment Deeds between New South Wales and NSW Ports do not have any anti-competitive or illegal purpose or effect.

Federal Court Justice, Jayne Jagot, said that the Port Commitment Deeds between the state and NSW Ports do not have any anti-competitive or illegal purpose or effect.

NSW Ports CEO, Marika Calfas, has described the decision as a win for economic certainty and prosperity across the state, benefiting consumers, exporters and importers.

“Maintaining the right ports and freight strategy to cater for New South Wales’ growing trade needs is crucial to the state’s economic future,” Ms Calfas said.

“Port Botany and Port Kembla are key economic drivers for New South Wales and the nation, contributing more than $13 billion a year to the state’s economy and supporting 65,000 jobs.”

The court’s decision aligns with the New South Wales Government’s long-term container port strategy that using capacity at Port Botany first, followed by a new container terminal at Port Kembla, best supports the state’s trade needs.

This strategy delivers the most effective use of public infrastructure, while catering for population and economic growth in Sydney’s west and south-west.

Locating container ports near major population centres maximises supply chain efficiencies and minimises freight travel, with 80 per cent of containers arriving in New South Wales travelling less than 40km from Port Botany to reach customers.

Developing a container terminal at the Port of Newcastle, rather than using available container capacity at Port Botany, which is less than half full, would increase supply chain costs for Australian exporters, importers and consumers.

It would also add up to 5,400 truck movements a day to Newcastle’s roads and the M1 Pacific Motorway, worsening congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

The expansion of Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland will deliver new multi-user facilities and berths, supporting the growth of renewable industries in Australia and overseas.

The expansion will increase the Port’s capacity to export battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, as well as importing renewable energy infrastructure such as wind turbines and blades.

The first stage of works on the project will construct two seawalls and a new causeway, which will connect the wharf to the proposed logistics hub.

MGN Civil was awarded the contract to complete the first of the seawalls, with a tender to soon be released for the delivery of the second.

The Federal Government is investing $565 million to expand the export and import capacity at the Port of Port Hedland, with the Western Australian Government contributing $96.5 million to the project.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said the Federal Government’s investment will help unlock trade and investment opportunities, local jobs and help drive Australia’s Net Zero future.

“Demand is growing locally and overseas for clean energy sources and our Government’s investment in the Lumsden Point expansion will help position Northern Australia to take advantage of the economic opportunities this demand presents,” Prime Minister Albanese said.

Federal Minister of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “Investment in good infrastructure opens doors and opportunities for businesses and communities, and that’s exactly what this project is all about.

“By making use of local expertise and materials for the first seawall, this project will drive a real short-term employment and economic boost while delivering lasting infrastructure that will continue to benefit the region well into the future.”

Growing the capacity of Pilbara Ports has been identified by Infrastructure Australia as a national infrastructure priority.

Lumsden Point forms part of the Port of Port Hedland Development Plan Review, which was undertaken to maximise export capacity at the port.

Pilbara-based businesses will benefit from the first seawall contract, with 90 per cent of materials and suppliers to be sourced within the region, and additional sub-contracting and labour opportunities on offer. This will include partnerships with First Nations businesses and economic opportunities for communities across the north-west.

Western Australia Premier, Mark McGowan, said, “The Pilbara has been at the heart of our nation’s economic strength for decades, generating wealth for the entire country and supporting thousands of jobs across Western Australia.

“This port expansion will help to position Port Hedland at the forefront of the future green industries that will drive our State’s economy for decades to come.

“We’re investing in projects to diversify our economy and create local jobs right across the state.”

Western Australian Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, said, “The Pilbara is the engine room of both the Western Australian and Australian economies, and it’s so important we have both levels of government working together to expand our export and import capacity.

“We have a lot of natural advantages in Western Australia, but we must keep investing in the infrastructure that will drive our future growth, and ensure our State and country capitalises on the opportunities that come from the transition to renewables.”

Port of Newcastle’s 2022 trade figures have been released, revealing a strong diversified trade despite the impact of multiple flood events.

Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody, said the results are testament to the Port’s resilience during one of the wettest years in recent memory.

“In the first half of 2022 the Hunter experienced five flood events, which had implications across the supply chain,” Mr Carmody said.

“Unsurprisingly this contributed to an overall decrease in total import/export trade volumes and ship visits through the Port compared to 2021, handling 145 million tonnes of cargo and recording 4261 vessel movements in 2022.

“Through a collaborative response and making good use of the David Allan dredger and the Port’s new sweeper vessel Lydia, we were able to help reduce the impacts of the floods and return the channel to its designed depth, sooner and safely.”

Executive Manager of Business Development, Matthew Swan, said despite the challenges of 2022, the Port continued to see strong trade volumes across a number of key export commodities.

“Meals and grain exports, predominately to China, Japan, and Pakistan recorded a 56 per cent year on year increase, buoyed by a rise in the export of sorghum, barley and canola, with 479,000 tonnes shipped through the port in 2022,” Mr Swan said.

“Wheat continued to perform strongly, the 2.7 million tonnes exported being the second-highest year following 2021.

“Port of Newcastle continued to support major projects in the region with roll on roll off and project cargo including wind turbine components for the Rye Park Wind Farm, rail wagons for the Sydney Metro project as well as grain and coal haulers, equipment for the Snowy 2.0 Kurri Power Station, and mining equipment for customers in the Hunter Valley.”

The 2022 trade figures come at an exciting time for Port of Newcastle as it takes significant steps forward in its diversification.

Mr Carmody said, “2023 will be an important year for the Port and our commitment to build a container terminal in Newcastle.

“Once the valuation process for the Port of Newcastle Extinguishment of Liability Act is complete, we look forward to a future where businesses right across the Hunter, Western and Northern New South Wales can import and export their product through the Port more efficiently and cost effectively.

“We’re also taking further steps to secure jobs and the region’s future prosperity by developing a dedicated Clean Energy Precinct that will see the Hunter become a hub for the development, production and export of green energy like hydrogen.”

TasRail’s mobilisation on its newest shiploader at the Port of Burnie is on track, with construction to begin in January 2023 when the components arrive.

The fabrication of the new infrastructure is well underway at COVA Haywards in Launceston and The Engineering Company at Somerset, supported by quality assurance from the Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council.

Construction is set to commence after late January 2023, following the arrival of components.

TasRail’s new shiploader will load at twice the speed of the current facility and, when combined with the additional 15,000t storage capacity at the Port, this step-change in scale is attracting significant interest from the mining sector.

The project is supporting 140 local Tasmanian jobs in design and construction is on track for commissioning in mid-2023.

The Burnie Port Ship-loader is just one element of Tasmania’s $5.6 billion infrastructure program designed to support jobs, and build safer and more connected communities.

The increased loading speed and capacity of the new facility and its seamless connection to TasRail’s freight rail network has already created interest in the mining and mineral processing industries.

The largest customer of the facility, Tas Mines, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TasRail to undertake a joint feasibility study with TasRail to shift its freight task to the Port from road to rail.

Tas Mines shipped 260,000t of magnetite from the mine to the Port in 2021.

With the Australian Government’s commitment to an $18 million bulk minerals loading hub on TasRail’s Melba Line, the bulk minerals industry will be provided with new and exciting storage and logistics options – with rail connections being foremost among these.

While the feasibility is to be determined, the shift to rail would provide the potential to remove 6,500 truck movements each way annually on current volumes alone and provide a seamless rail to ship logistics train for the Hampshire-based Tas Mines.

This is one example of the potential of the new bulk minerals ship-loader and expanded storage facility at the Port of Burnie.

In the previous financial year, TasRail ship-loaded 650,000t of zinc, lead, and high-grade iron ore through the existing facility, which was just one ship-load short of a record.

The Budget and Forward Estimates includes $4.85 billion in investments by the General Government Sector, with a further $736.9 million in support investment by other Government businesses.