Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

Station Pier under new management

Since June 30, 1999, management of Station Pier has been transferred from the Melbourne Port Corporation (MPC) to the Department of Infrastructure (DoI).

The Minister for Roads and Ports, Mr Geoff Craige, said that, although cruise ship visits brought great economic benefits to the State, they were not a commercial proposition for the port operator and DoI was better placed to take on this responsibility on behalf of the Government.

"Over the next 12 months DoI will manage a major $14m upgrade of the Pier infrastructure," Mr Craige said.

"This will include pile and deck repairs to restore the basic structure to a sound condition and reopening Inner West Berth, increasing the Pier’s capacity from three to four operating berths."

"The Government believes the Pier has great potential to be developed as a major attraction in its own right and we will be seeking innovative ideas and interest from a range of players to help make it happen," he said.

"In the future I would like to see the tram running right onto the Pier on cruise ship days and I have asked the Department to ensure that the planned upgrade works will not exclude this option."

He said any development of the Pier would need to respect its heritage values, complement its sea passenger terminal role and facilitate its integration with the local precinct.

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Roads and Ports, August 11, 1999)