GeelongPort have reached agreement with TT-Line Company Pty Ltd to relocate the Victorian port home of the Spirit of Tasmania vessels, from Station Pier, Port Melbourne to Corio Quay, north of Geelong.
The project is an important investment in regional Australia, which will increase freight and exports for Victoria and jobs and tourism in regional Victoria.
GeelongPort CEO Brett Winter said that the deal with TT-Line will create major economic, employment and tourism opportunities for Geelong, the Bellarine and the wider G21 region.
“Bringing the iconic Spirit of Tasmania vessels to GeelongPort is a huge coup for the Geelong region. Each year over 450,000 passengers and 105,000 twenty–foot equivalent units of freight sail with Spirit of Tasmania” he said.
“Now more than ever, opportunities to inject new jobs and economic growth into the greater Geelong region are crucial. Working with our key stakeholders, we need to streamline our planning approvals so that this important project will be ready for 2022”.
The project is expected to generate up to 75 construction jobs over the two year build program, whilst increasing tourism expenditure in the greater Geelong region by up to $174.1 million by 2029. In addition there will be a number of new opportunities for regional hospitality, agribusiness, and logistics services.
The proposed solution at GeelongPort’s Corio Quay, located in Geelong’s north, would provide a dedicated, large scale passenger and freight terminal that would transform Spirit of Tasmania’s customer experience.
With access to the Princes Highway and Freeway, Corio Quay is near two rail stations, 15 minutes from Avalon Airport and a mere 50 minutes from the Great Ocean Road.
The new 12-hectare dedicated site will include a purpose-built passenger terminal building, a passenger vehicle marshalling area for 600 cars, more efficient passenger vehicle check in, security facilities, public amenities, crew accommodation, a cafe, children’s play area and a pet exercise area.
Mr. Winter said “Whether it be passengers or freight, GeelongPort have designed a solution to optimize the overall port experience, whilst providing unprecedented flexibility and value to Spirit of Tasmania and their customers.”
“Working with TT-Line, the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong Council, we’ll develop a plan to ensure there’s appropriate infrastructure to support the increase in traffic and minimise any potential disruption to our customers and the local community during both construction and operational phases”.
GeelongPort has been an integral part of Geelong’s economic and social fabric for more than 150 years, helping to transform the city and region into the economic, tourism and community hub it is today.
Bringing the iconic Spirit of Tasmania vessels to Geelong is another example of how GeelongPort is continuing to drive the prosperity of the region.
Released by:
Michelle Thompson
communications@geelongport.com.au