Sir Richard Branson calls on Victorian govt to remove obstacles to help keep cruise industry afloat

Sir Richard Branson’s cruise company is urging the Allan government to think about the “unnecessary barriers” it’s placing on the cruise industry after it decided to raise Melbourne’s port taxes.

Sir Richard Branson’s cruise company which is bound to call Melbourne home in two weeks has called on the Victorian government to consider the “unnecessary obstacles and barriers” it is placing on the industry.

The Herald Sun this week revealed that Australia’s largest cruise ship operator, Carnival Australia, will pull several of its visits to Melbourne in protest at the Victorian government’s decision to ­impose a huge increase in port taxes.

Ports Victoria has decided to increase fees and charges at the Port of Melbourne by 15 per cent to help pay for costs to maintain Station Pier.

Ports Victoria has decided to increase fees and charges at the Port of Melbourne by 15 per cent to help pay for costs to maintain Station Pier. Picture: David Crosling

The charges, to take effect on January 1 next year, will add significant costs to cruise operators and customers.

With Carnival Australia’s decision to reroute Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess and Cunard’s the Queen Elizabeth away from Melbourne, it’s feared that more cruises could bypass the city in coming years.

Virgin Voyages will bring its ship – the Resilient Lady – to Melbourne from next month, where it will be homeported at Station Pier.

A spokeswoman for the company said as thousands of visitors prepare to jump on board at Melbourne, the Victorian government should be looking at how its 15 per cent increased port tax will impact cruise ship businesses.

Virgin Voyages will bring its ship – the Resilient Lady – to Melbourne from next month, where it will be homeported at Station Pier.

“Thousands of Australians and overseas visitors will get to experience what it’s like to set sail the Virgin way from one of the world’s most vibrant cities; Melbourne,” she said.

“Virgin Voyages is committed to bringing global attention, visitors and economic benefits to Australia, and in particular, Victoria.

“And we encourage the Victorian government to consider the unnecessary obstacles and barriers that the increase in fees and charges at our homeport will have on our business and others.”

Opposition tourism spokesman Sam Groth said Victoria could not afford to lose more cruise ships.

“Jacinta Allan should be doing everything she can to encourage tourism and grow Victoria’s visitor economy and not diminishing it by imposing higher taxes,” he said. “Labor’s record taxes and charges are driving tourists and investment out of Victoria at a time when we can least afford it.”