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Dredging of the Port of Melbourne could begin early next year after the US$700 million project to deepen its shipping channel was given the green light.
But the project -- designed to allow large container ships to use the port -- must still be approved by the Commonwealth after the election and pass another 15 state approvals.
Planning Minister Justin Madden endorsed the fundings of a $65 million environmental investigation into the project and gave it planning approval.
The Melbourne channel-deepening plan -- which is opposed by some environmentalists, fishermen, divers and bayside house owners -- is expected to substantially improve the efficiency of the port.
Shallow areas in the mouth of Port Phillip Bay, the mouth of the Yarra River and the shipping channel between the two prevent about 25 percent of container ships using the port or loading to full capacity.
Madden said the environmental investigation was rigorous and the effects of dredging, such as increased turbidity and slightly reduced sea levels in the bay, had been addressed. He said the channel deepening project can proceed subject to the implementation of a number of strong environmental management measures and importantly subject to other approvals required.
But either the Port of Melbourne or the company picked to do the dredging will be asked to put up a bond to pay for any environmental damage.
The government will appoint an independent monitor to track the progress of the project and expose any environmental damage.
CargonewsAsia
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