Business boss slams MPs for cruise terminal opposition
THE influential Sydney Business Chamber has said Botany Bay is the city’s only option for a new cruise terminal to ease the pressure on the harbour.
Southern Courier
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THE influential Sydney Business Chamber has said Botany Bay is the city’s only option for a new cruise terminal to ease the pressure on the harbour.
The group’s executive director Patricia Forsythe also criticised Heffron and Maroubra state Labor MPs Ron Hoenig and Michael Daley for their “shortsighted” blanket objection to the plan.
The Southern Courier revealed in April that the State Government was assessing options to meet the demand of cruise ships arriving in Sydney.
Three options in Botany Bay are being considered: Yarra Bay, Molineaux Point and the use of an empty container bay at Port Botany.
Last week Mr Hoenig said the Navy should be moved to Glebe Island so the cruise ships could dock at Garden Island.
Mr Daley has said he will stand in front of the bulldozers if they decide to build at Botany Bay.
Mrs Forsythe said the pair were “failing the needs of the broader community”.
“Cruising is one of the success stories of tourism growth, contributing $2.7 billion into the Australian economy,” he said.
“Not backing a review into Botany Bay as an option for the large cruise ships is letting down the community and the opportunity to grow the NSW economy.”
“I cannot believe that the objections from the local MPs were discussed with the Shadow Tourism Minister as it will blow apart their commitment to Sydney and the visitor economy.”
“Botany Bay may not be the best option for Sydney in an ideal world but as it stands at the moment it is potentially the only option.”
Last week the Federal Government committed $300,000 to a review into Botany Bay as an option for Sydney.
The Labor MPs have said a new cruise terminal at Botany would lead to environmental destruction and severe congestion on the roads leading to the city.
The Government’s long-term cruise industry strategy, which will include a recommendation for a new terminal, will be released later this year.
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