Legislation for the development of a second Victorian container port has passed through State Parliament, enabling the appointment of a Port of Hastings Development Authority.

 

The Legislation Amendment (Port of Hastings Development Authority) Bill 2011 passed through the Legislative Council unopposed after winning the support of Labor and the Greens.

 

The Victorian Minister for Ports Denis Napthine said that with with the throughput of containers in Victoria forecast to quadruple over the next 30 years, a second container port was vital to the long term productivity and economy of Victoria.

 

"The development of Hastings will give Victorian businesses and exporters confidence in the long-term efficiency of freight movements in our state," Dr Napthine said.

 

"With the passage of this legislation the Coalition Government will soon seek expressions of interest for the Port of Hastings Development Authority Board,"  he said.

 

"Once appointed, the Board will initiate a number of assessments including economic, social and environmental impact studies. The Victorian Coalition Government will work closely with all stakeholders and the Hastings community to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved."

 

The Port of Hastings already accommodates 200 vessel visits each year, handling about five  million tonnes of cargo.