Plan to upgrade Hastings port ‘unrealistic’

Developing the Port of Hastings as a high-volume container port is a "high-risk strategy", according to a major port player.

A spokesman for Asciano, which is owned by Australian stevedoring giant Patricks, said the government's plan to move eight million containers a year through Hastings would fail due to lack of transport options, reported News Ltd.

And Asciano commercial projects manager John Murray said businesses attracted to the port based on the estimate will suffer.

"We don't believe Hastings can handle eight million containers a year in 2030 or through to 2040."

"The sticking issue is transport freeways and four extra overpasses but that is a lot of money."

"Ultimately the cost of infrastructure will be borne by all Victorians who use the goods."

"We have said that (eight million containers) is an unrealistic plan. If Hastings only delivers four million containers the state has an enormous dilemma."

In a confidential submission to the Port of Melbourne, Asciano states that a commitment to build an eight million a year container facility in Hastings would create "delivery risk".

It recommended that the "ramifications of non-delivery, timing, cost and operating efficiency" needed to be considered.

Murray said, according to government estimates, it would cost between US$10 billion and $14 billion to create the necessary transport infrastructure between Melbourne and Hastings as well as necessary inner port facilities and rail links.

Hastings Greens candidate Catherine Manning said concerns about the lack of transport had been vindicated.

The State Government did not respond to requests for comment.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)