The prospect of a third cruise terminal in Botany Bay moved a step closer today despite local opposition with the NSW Government inviting industry to provide input on a potential site at Port Botany.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance and Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said in a statement the market engagement process will inform the next stage of delivering more capacity for Sydney's growing cruise industry.
"The cruise industry creates $2.75 billion for the state's economy each year. We're expecting almost 1.6 million passengers this cruise season alone," Mr Constance said.
"This potential terminal at Port Botany would address the capacity constraints we're seeing at the Overseas Passenger Terminal."
A statement from the NSW government said the project will consider and assess options for an additional terminal at Yarra Bay or Molineux Point, following the Commonwealth Government ruling out Garden Island as an option.
Detailed technical studies will consider the social and economic benefits, traffic and transport impacts, costs, heritage and environmental impacts, including recreational fishing, at both potential sites.
Mr Ayres said there will also be a strong emphasis on consulting with local stakeholders and the community but Bayside Council mayor Bill Saravinovski said previously expressed opposition to the Port Botany proposal has gone unheeded.
"Council has already called on the State Government to reject Botany Bay as a destination for cruise ships," Cr Saravinovski said.
"Unfortunately the government has not listened to stakeholders.
"Council will now vigorously engage in all parts of this process to ensure our residents are not further disadvantaged by the huge impact this proposal will have on Bayside."
Botany Bay and Catchment Alliance Chair, Brian Shaw, said the state government must be condemned if they go forward with a proposed Third Cruise Ship Terminal at Yarra Bay.
"The Premier and Minister for Transport need only look at photos of the proposed terminal site during the last serious storms in the Bay to see how foolish the proposal is," Mr Shaw said.
"Cruise ships will wreck the terminal and be washed onto the Port Botany revetment wall under such conditions."r
Mr Shaw also added that multi-millionaires would not be impressed landing on the shores of an industrial area and a cemetery.
The cruise industry has welcomed moves towards a third terminal.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said in a statement Sydney's current berthing capacity constraints, which according to the organisation, is limiting growth in Australia's cruise industry.
"Additional berthing capacity is urgently needed in Sydney to ensure Australia's cruise industry can continue to prosper into the future," CLIA told travelweekly.com.au.
"Limits on available berthing space in Australia's gateway port threaten cruise tourism growth not only in Sydney but in destinations around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific."
Around 350 cruise ships will visit NSW this season.
Mr Ayres said the cruise industry supports around 10,000 jobs and creates around $800 million in wages.
"This season we are welcoming 317 cruise ships to the Overseas Passenger Terminal and White Bay terminals, it would be great to have the option to welcome even more."
