Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson has welcomed news that the Spirit of Tasmania will make Geelong home in 2022.
In a major boost for the local economy, Geelong Port has reached agreement with TT-Line Company Pty Ltd to relocate the Spirit of Tasmania from Port Melbourne to Corio Quay.
The project is expected to create up to 75 construction jobs over the two year build program while increasing tourism expenditure in the greater Geelong region by up to $175 million by 2029.
“This is incredibly exciting news for Geelong that the Spirit of Tasmania will be putting down anchor in Geelong Port in 2022,” Senator Henderson said.
“This project is also an important investment for Geelong and regional Victoria with nearly half-a-million ‘spirited’ passengers sailing each year on the ship.
“It will provide very important employment and tourism benefits for south west Victoria as well as the Geelong and Great Ocean Road regions.
“Given we are enduring the Coronavirus pandemic, this news could not come at a better time. It provides Geelong and our region with an incredible confidence boost as we start to plan our economic revival.”
The new 12 hectare dedicated site at Corio Quay will include a purpose designed passenger terminal building, a passenger vehicle marshalling area for 600 cars, more efficient passenger vehicle check in, security facilities, public amenities, a cafe, children’s play area and a pet exercise area.
The new port base at Geelong is also expected to lead to increased passenger growth from South Australia, New South Wales and all parts of regional Victoria.
23 April 2020.