Cruise ships welcome in bay as long as they don’t affect port
NSW PORTS boss Marika Calfas will not stand in the way of a cruise terminal in Botany Bay — provided it doesn’t affect freight operations.
Southern Courier
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NSW PORTS boss Marika Calfas will not stand in the way of a cruise terminal in Botany Bay — provided it doesn’t affect freight operations.
The State Government is currently considering proposals for a new cruise terminal for Sydney. Among the six short-listed options are Yarra Bay and Molineaux Point — both near the port.
“Our primary objective is making sure that Port Botany continues to be efficient for containers and bulk liquids,” Ms Calfas said. “If a cruise facility can be implemented in a way that complements or enhances that then we have no reason not to support that.”
The State Government is also considering a short-term fix of the cruise capacity crisis with a proposal to use an empty berth inside Port Botany.
But Ms Calfas said she was doubtful this could happen.
“We can’t really repurpose a container booth at the port for cruise,” she said. “We recognise cruise is very important for the state but containers take priority here.”
The State Government is expected to decide on plans later this year.
The plans for Botany Bay, revealed by the Courier in April, have been met by a mixed reaction.
Maroubra state Labor MP Michael Daley said a cruise terminal at Botany Bay would be disastrous.
“Thousands of passengers embarking each and every day from massive ships is the last thing we need,” he said.
“I can’t even begin to imagine the congestion and noise nightmare.”
However, the Bayside Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) said the proposal should be welcomed provided it meets environmental standards.
“A new cruise terminal would be a fantastic addition to the bay,” executive officer Marcus Dwyer said.
“There is positive flow on for local business and tourism. Yes, It may change what we have, but the old Sydney is gone. We are a global city now, and this means opening up choices and options for visitors and suppliers of all kinds who can supply to this market. Let’s get creative on how rather than saying ‘not in my backyard’.”
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