TasPorts is committed to the Port of Hobart as the gateway to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and stands ready to continue negotiations with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) on commercial terms which are fair and reasonable.
Posted
13 June 2024
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TasPorts is committed to the Port of Hobart as the gateway to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and stands ready to continue negotiations with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) on commercial terms which are fair and reasonable.
Chief Executive Officer Anthony Donald said the leak of the letter is yet another example of AAD and the Federal department avoiding commercial negotiations on what TasPorts believes to be a simple commercial deal. However, it is concerning to TasPorts that there has never been a representative of AAD with the delegation to negotiate, supported by available budget.
“The costs are reflective of the detailed design works, which are specific and a bespoke request by the AAD. The level of investment is reflective of the infrastructure requirements,” he said.
“We are not simply talking about reparation of the wharf structure but a bespoke design that is very specific to their needs.
“The real question given AAD’s understanding of the costs of their bespoke design requirements is what has been included in the federal budget. This clarity will enable a negotiation to be had in earnest.”
Mr Donald said TasPorts has time and time again demonstrated flexibility and patience, in response to the changing requirements of AAD.
“The provision of the lay-up wharf at wharf 6 was in response to AAD’s urgent request for support given their failure to plan ahead.
“They have invested in a new, larger state of the art vessel without planning for where it could be berthed. We have been very clear about our concerns for the interim wharf asset, which cannot continue to safely provide an interim solution given it’s deteriorating condition.
“It is misleading to attempt to compare what AAD pays today for a wharf that is end of life, to the costs of a fit for purpose bespoke design with a dedicated facility. They are two very different propositions.
“It would be a far better outcome for the project if negotiations could continue with accurate reflections of the requirements, knowledge of federal budgetary position and without leaks that contain misleading and inaccurate sums.”
Mr Donald said TasPorts has had a dedicated project team in place for two years who are ready to get started as soon as the commercial terms are finalised.