NO further work is being done on a proposed new Sydney cruise terminal in Botany Bay due to the COVID-19 crisis, with NSW Transport and Ports Minister, Andrew Constance, confirming the project has been “put on hold with all industry and community engagement suspended”. Constance said the project was no...
NO further work is being done on a proposed new Sydney cruise terminal in Botany Bay due to the COVID-19 crisis, with NSW Transport and Ports Minister, Andrew Constance, confirming the project has been “put on hold with all industry and community engagement suspended”.
Constance said the project was no longer a priority for the government or the cruise sector, with any plans delayed for up to 18 months.
Significant uncertainty about post-coronavirus demand for cruising has contributed to the change of heart, while Royal Caribbean Cruises, which previously indicated its willingness to help fund a terminal, has also been heavily hit financially, according to a Nine Publishing report.
A detailed business case for a possible cruise terminal between Yarra Bay and Molineaux Point had been under development by the NSW Ports Authority for some months (CW 18 Sep 2019), with the project strenuously opposed by local activists and the NSW Labor opposition.
The “Save the Bay Coalition” is claiming credit for the move, saying it had written to officials urging them to cancel the project.
The anti-cruise group has also pledged to “investigate the cosy relationship between the cruise industry and Federal/NSW politicians and decision makers” as well as undertaking a social media campaign to share information about the unfolding Ruby Princess investigation.
The option of a cruise terminal at Garden Island shared with the Navy, has repeatedly been ruled out by the Federal Government.
