Australia: Plan for Port of Hastings Expansion Makes Progress

The release of Expressions of Interest for four key feasibility phase work packages is an important step forward in the container expansion project, said Mr Mike Lean, CEO at the Port of Hastings Development Authority.

“The Authority is working hard to gather a team of specialist professionals to guide and inform the Port of Hastings Container Expansion Project through the project feasibility phase,” said Mr Lean.

These Expressions of Interest are the first step in the process to secure experienced specialist consultants for four work packages; Port planning and design, Environmental and social, Hydrodynamics and Legal services. Work packages for Commercial and economics advisory and Risk Management will shortly progress directly to Requests for Tender.

Together, these work packages will provide the Authority with the information required to guide the project through an environmental impact assessment and statutory approval process. They will also form the backbone of a detailed business case, seeking to demonstrate the Port of Hastings as an attractive investment for both the public and private sectors.

“The feasibility phase will inform a final development decision from the Victorian Government on the development of an expanded port at Hastings.

“We anticipate the Project will take about three years to progress through feasibility before entering procurement and delivery, on track for an operational container port in the mid 2020’s,” said Mr Lean.

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Press Release, October 16, 2013