Victoria’s $1.6 billion Port Capacity Project has been given the go-ahead following a decision by Planning Minister Matthew Guy to provide the planning approval for works to commence at Melbourne’s Webb Dock.
The planning process and amendments to the Melbourne and Port of Melbourne Planning Schemes stipulate the need for a landscaped buffer and the construction of noise walls to reduce the impacts of the operations on nearby communities.
The Port of Melbourne Corporation will be required to comply with strict environmental standards to protect the Bay, waterways and the natural environment.
During construction and eventual operation of the new port facilities, new benchmarks for environmental standards and accountability will be set to provide transparency and performance.
Other approvals have been already been received from various government departments including the Commonwealth that has given the project the green light under its Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Minister for Ports Denis Napthine said the Victorian government was committed to ensuring Victoria maintained its status at the nation’s freight and logistics capital.
This decision means that the works at Webb Dock can now proceed, enabling Melbourne’s third container terminal and new automotive facilities to be operational in late 2016.
The development of buffers around Webb Dock will continue to be designed and constructed and as part of the competitive bidding process, the bidders for the new terminals will address issues of noise, light spill, traffic management and the visual amenity of local communities.
An extensive consultation process involving the community and key stakeholders including local councils, relevant State Government departments, VicRoads, Friends of Westgate Park and port operators is said to have been undertaken.