Engines start on Port Botany expansion

New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma has announced the start of construction on one of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia – the A$1 billion (US$960 million) expansion of Port Botany.

Mr. Iemma started the engines on the project which will almost double the capacity of the Port Botany container terminal. “This exciting new project will see the development of 60 hectares with five new shipping berths and 1,850 metres of new wharves,” Mr Iemma said. “More than 2,000 jobs will be created during the project’s construction with 9,000 permanent jobs once the third terminal is up and running. “The local community is also going to benefit from the extra business generated by the large workforce and activity on the site during the next couple of years. “Port Botany is Australia’s second largest container port and trade is expected to double by 2020. “Already the port is a crucial hub for more than $40 billion in trade each year, with port-related activity currently employing up to 10,000 people.” Mr Iemma said with 99 percent of Australia’s international trade transported by sea, Sydney’s ports were pivotal to the nation’s economic future. Site preparation was completed at Port Botany last week, with project offices in place, the preparation of environmental plans, hiring of staff, progression of the design and consultation with community and stakeholders continues.
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