The Port of Devonport is one of the State’s key entry points for tourists and locals alike, and TasPorts is working to upgrade critical infrastructure to future-proof the city as Tasmania’s tourism and trade gateway for the next 50 years.
Posted
07 July 2022
There are two ways to travel to Tasmania, by air or sea. Sailing across Bass Strait to the island State can provide both a refreshing and relaxing experience for even the most intrepid traveller.
With the Port of Devonport noted as one of Tasmania’s tourism gateways, the need to prepare existing infrastructure and assets to future-proof the area for the next generation of tourism and trade.
To update a port for future generations is not as clear-cut as most people would think. There are a number of people working in the background to get projects like this into fruition, on top of the pre-feasibility studies and surveys to ensure the viability of the project before official ink is signed.
Since its inception, the Port of Devonport has played an important role in Tasmania’s economic development.
Project QuayLink gives reference to the long-term history of port operations in Devonport since the 1800’s, with the name recognising the important history East Devonport, previously known as Torquay, and the critical future that the port will provide as the key link between Tasmania and the mainland.
Torquay (now East Devonport) was one of the larger communities along the banks of the Mersey River. In 1890 a public vote united Torquay and Formby, and the settlements became the town of Devonport.
Getting industry and Government representatives in a room together can involve a certain level of wizardry, however, we have had some assistance recently.
We were lucky enough to be invited along to the recent Devonport Chamber of Commerce and Industry where our Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Casey, who discussed the drivers of change, the need for expansion and the complexity of construction.
Ensuring the local community, stakeholders, industry leaders and Government have an understanding of project benefits and process is key to executing a successful large-scale project such as QuayLink.
Essentially, Project QuayLink is an infrastructure project turned positive legacy for residents and businesses of Devonport. When works ramp up, the aim of the project team will be to reduce the impact to the community as much as possible. Ensuring regular engagement with residents, community groups and schools as the project develops is key.
With the vision of expanding port operations by 40%, it was inevitable that a chunky investment would be needed to move the vision to reality. With $240 million committed to Project QuayLink, TasPorts is ensuring a competitive edge against the development in Geelong, Victoria.
First impressions always count.
Tasmania has a unique value proposition to travellers and trade already, our naturally deep ports and pristine environment are a natural drawcard to trade and tourism alike. But Project QuayLink moves beyond the traditional offerings expected in Tasmania. Project QuayLink has been planned with a multi-layered strategy to ensure a smarter, faster and cleaner port, through a range of sustainability initiatives.
The Port of Devonport, through Project QuayLink, will play a pivotal role in supporting its customers and the Tasmanian Government’s world-leading 200% renewable energy target by 2040.
Project QuayLink will see the provision of electric vehicle charging stations for the local community and visitors, LNG ship refuelling berths and renewable energy shore power. Along with improved traffic management, and reducing congestion in the area, Project QuayLink is setting sustainable standards for future infrastructure developments.
The Port of Devonport will be one of seven ports in Australia vying for EcoPorts accreditation, the European certification system, with the ports of Burnie and Hobart to follow.
To enable Terminal 3 to be developed successfully, Project QuayLink collaborated with Environmental Scientists, Tasmania’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to seek innovative ways to enable dredging at Berth 3E on the eastern side of the river.
Project QuayLink is a once in a generation infrastructure development project and we’re proud to leave this legacy for the community of Devonport. Ensuring the area is future-proof for the next 50 years ensures the continued economic development of Tasmania’s North-West Coast. We are proud to be continuing the work our forefathers started back in the 1800s.
Find out more about Project QuayLink, including project background, community updates and more.