THE recently released national ports strategy reinforces the need to implement buffer strategies to prevent urban encroachment and avoid unresolvable planning conflicts, according to Wade Noonan MP, the member for Williamstown.
“The national ports strategy provides the nation’s first plan to manage the massive expansion of freight moving through our ports,” Mr Noonan said.
One of the key objectives of the Gillard Government’s strategy is to provide a better balance between local communities and the needs of industry.
“This strategy will certainly impact on areas such as Yarraville and Williamstown and reinforces the need to adopt a sensible planning approach at the Woollen Mills site,” Mr Noonan said.
The Port of Melbourne (PoMC) has a number of strategic assets in the Williamstown area, such as the Gellibrand and Breakwater Piers.
The Point Gellibrand facility is presently leased by the PoMC to Mobil – and is operated as a major hazard facility.
“Given the potential dangers associated with major hazard facilities, a threshold buffer distance of 300 metres is recommended between the site and sensitive land uses,” Mr Noonan said.
“There is certainly evidence to suggest a substantial part of the Woollen Mills site falls within the 300 metre recommended buffer zone, and as such requires a review by the Port Phillip Woollen Mills Planning Advisory Committee.”
Mr Noonan is next month expected to give evidence and elaborate on his 178-page joint submission to the Port Phillip Woollen Mills Advisory Committee. For further information regarding the National Ports Strategy, visit: www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au
