THE state government is being urged to rethink building Victoria’s second container port at Hastings with a new report stating it would be better placed between Werribee and Geelong.
Industry groups will use the report, known as the Western Transport Strategy, to advocate for a site in the Bay West area, around Point Wilson, as an alternative to long-standing plans for a $10billion port at Hastings.
The report, obtained by the Weekly, states industry would benefit from a port between Werribee and Geelong, given superior road and rail infrastructure, and proximity to distribution centres in Laverton North and Truganina.
“Although Hastings is an established port, it has major transport challenges,” the report states. “It would increase reliance on the West Gate corridor and providing a national standard gauge rail connection through Melbourne’s south east is difficult.”
According to regional development lobby group LeadWest, which commissioned the AECOM report, transport and logistics industries were increasingly located in the western suburbs.
Chief executive Anton Mayer said the idea of a major port situated in the region made sense.
“I’m not saying Hastings is a stupid idea, it’s about giving some thought to alternative options. The port should be built where business wants it.”
Wyndham Industrial Liaison and Development Committee chairman Mick O’Donnell said the location of Melbourne’s second major port was “imperative”.
“Upgraded port facilities adjacent to the most intensive commercial area in Australia is more logical than the remote Hastings,” he said.
While the former Labor government identified Hastings as its preferred site, opposition ports spokesman Tim Pallas said links to interstate rail networks, and connections to the M1 and planned Metropolitan Outer Ring Road, made Point Wilson a better option.
“We’re asking for a serious reconsideration of the strategy before the government starts signing any cheques,” he said.
However, Ports Minister Denis Napthine said Hastings was the most suitable option as it was already an operating deep-water port and wouldn’t require dredging.
“While there are transport links in Bay West, there are also challenges in terms of the depth of the channels and berth sites.”
He said the government would consider a Bay West port as part of long-term planning to cater for more than eight million containers by 2050.
Wyndham Council chief executive Kerry Thompson said the Bay West site warranted further investigation.
A Geelong Council spokesman said it would work with the government and industry in any investigation into a Bay West container port.
