Senator Jacqui Lambie accuses state government of neglecting King Island

While saying King Island is in need of a new port, Senator Jacqui Lambie has lashed out at the state government and accused it of neglecting and ignoring the residents of the small community.

Martha Lavinia Beach, King Island

While it does not look likely that Grassy Port on King Island will receive an upgrade, the state government says it is a “strong supporter” of the small community.

The comments come after Senator Jacqui Lambie accused the state government of not doing enough to support King Island.

“King Island needs help to secure its future and the current Liberal government needs to walk the walk and not just talk the talk,” Senator Lambie said.

“The horrible truth is the major parties don’t act because there aren’t that many votes on King Island.

“It’s not until we have a state government with members of parliament that truly represent their communities, and not their just their parties, that King Island and the rest of Tasmanian will get what it needs.”

Senator Jacqui Lambie at Richmond. Picture: Chris Kidd

Senator Lambie said freight and shipping services to and from King Island were an issue, with the barge used to get cattle off the island not designed to handle the rugged water of Bass Strait.

“To add insult to injury the farmers must pay for the freight themselves,” she said.

Senator Lambie said the port at Grassy needed to be upgraded.

“The Bass Island Line barge was supposed to be a stop-gap after SeaRoad Shipping pulled out in 2017, because its upgraded ferry was too big to dock at King Island’s Grassy Port.

“The reopened Scheelite mine has said they can help with rock material, and although they don’t need a bigger port for their operation, they agree it has other benefits for the island.”

Minister Michael Ferguson during the launch of Operation Safe Arrival at Cambridge. Picture: Chris Kidd

Acting Premier Michael Ferguson said the government was always working to improve King Island’s services and facilities.

“Our Liberal Government financially supported the reopening of the Dolphin Tungsten Mine, creating more than 90 full-time jobs on King Island and providing significant returns to the local economy,” Mr Ferguson said.

“We’ve upgraded the Currie police house and provided additional funding to the Phoenix Community House to support the community.”

He said a $10.5m stage 2 redevelopment of King Island Hospital was also completed.

Mr Ferguson also said the government would look into upgrading Grassy Port.

He said a feasibility study in 2008 for an expansion of Grassy Port was costed at $40m, but would be significantly more expensive today.

“I note that the (2008) proposal was considered not feasible by the previous Labor Government and not progressed.

“In response to requests to look at that proposal again, the Government decided to obtain a review of that 2008 study in light of changes to the King Island economy, population, changes in markets and shipping services to and from the island.”

Mr Ferguson said the port was used sparingly.

“The port’s current utilisation rate is 15 per cent, which is low by Tasmanian standards and very low in the national context.

“Despite some negative comments from the Senator, for the past six-month period until 31 December 2023, the Bass Island Line has reported an increase in volume freight demand of 3,035 standard sized (TEU) containers.”