The Port of Melbourne Corporation’s (PoMC) Channel Deepening Project will proceed as scheduled following a Federal Court of Australia decision to dismiss an application filed by opponents.
Speaking after the ruling, PoMC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stephen Bradford said The Channel Deepening Project is expected to commence on 1 February 2008.
“PoMC has the responsibility to deliver this project by the end of 2009 while complying with what is quite possibly the most rigorous Environmental Management Plan ever applied to a dredging project anywhere in the world,” he says.
“Port Phillip Bay is a valuable asset to the port, as it is to all Victorians, and we embark on this project in the most environmentally responsible manner.”
“This important project is critical to ensuring Melbourne remains Australia’s largest container port,” Bradford adds.
“The port will remain strong and competitive and this will safeguard Victorian jobs now and in the future. Importantly it will also drive business confidence in Victoria.”
“I would like to thank the court for its diligent and thorough review of this matter,” he says