The Gillard Government has announced plans to invest over $22 million in Tasmania's maritime industry to improve infrastructure and training in the sector.
In a statement the Government said it would invest:
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$5.2 million towards a new $8 million intermodal freight terminal at Bell Bay, to facilitate the movement of Tasmania's logging and other bulk freight, with the Tasmanian Government contributing $2.7 million
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Almost $12 million over four years in additional funding for the Australian Maritime College (AMC) at the University of Tasmania which will allow the College to deliver specialised training to over 500 maritime students
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$5 million to assist the Australian shipping industry meet its future workforce training needs as part of the government's shipping reforms.
The Government said Bell Bay was the state's largest heavy industrial precinct, and with direct exports to Asia reopening this year, a boost in funding was necessary to support its growth.
“The new terminal will make freight movements in and out of Bell Bay more efficient and generate broader economic benefits,” it said.
“Design plans will be finalised later this year with physical works to start in the first half of next year.”
The Government also said funding for the AMC would ensure the skills base was in place to support the state's maritime industry in the future.