The recently completed Channel Deepening Project in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria’s largest ever marine infrastructure project, has beaten strong competition to win the prestigious National Infrastructure Award.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas welcomed the award today and said the Victorian project had prevailed over other significant nominations, including Sydney’s $1.8 billion desalination plant and Brisbane’s $3 billion Clem Jones Tunnel.
“The Brumby Labor Government is investing in major infrastructure projects such as channel deepening, creating thousands of jobs, boosting the local economy and planning for the future of our state,” Mr Pallas said.
“Yet again, Victoria is leading the way on major infrastructure projects in Australia. Channel deepening was critical to securing the competitiveness of the Port of Melbourne, which is a key economic driver for Victoria, generating thousands of jobs.
“The project was delivered ahead of schedule, under budget and within strict environmental guidelines – it’s a deserving winner of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia’s national award.
“Importantly, the Channel Deepening Project has also opened up Victoria’s sea highway to the world at a time when trade volumes have shown strong signs of rebounding after the global financial crisis.”
Mr Pallas said the award recognised the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to world- class infrastructure, while maintaining a balance between economic development and protecting Victoria’s environmental assets.
“I congratulate Port of Melbourne Corporation and its alliance partner Royal Boskalis in becoming the first non-Public-Private-Partnership to win the award hosted by Infrastructure Partnerships Australia,” he said.
“Although the project was constructed with a 30-year project life, we have already seen a steady increase in the number of vessels utilising the increased depth which became available on 26 November.”
Channel deepening created about 2300 jobs during construction, with port activities supporting a further 14,000 jobs.
The project will add an extra $2 billion to the Victorian economy over the next 30 years.
