Commercial Wharf Officially Opened
Monday, 23 November 2009
Business people, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the community of Lord Howe Island have today marked an historic occasion, with the official opening of the Port Macquarie commercial wharf.
The commercial wharf, located on the Hastings River at the Birdon Group slipway, is the result of planning that began a decade ago. According to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Administrator Garry Payne, who spoke at the opening, the wharf has been dependant on strong partnerships from the outset.
"The vision of former Mayor Wayne Richards and astute business people has come to fruition today. An effective partnership between Council, the Birdon Group and the Board of the Lord Howe Island Sea Freight Company has seen the realisation of a relatively simple concept.
"Port Macquarie is due west of Lord Howe Island and both share similar economies that will mutually benefit from a Commercial Wharf," explained Mr Payne.
Council estimates that the Commercial wharf will be worth at least $22.3 million annually to the regional economy, $12 million directly and about $10.3 million indirectly. According to Council's Manager of Economic Development Trevor Sargeant, who has been driving the commercial wharf project for many years, constructing the wharf opens Port Macquarie's port capacity beyond Lord Howe Island.
"Developing the commercial wharf to accommodate the needs of Lord Howe Island also opens potential to handle small commercial vessels such as cruisers, super yachts and Government vessels.
"This wharf has potential to stimulate even further economic activity through the expansion of additional boat building, repairs and perhaps project cargos that are not easily transported by road.
"Creating an adjacent marine precinct that takes advantage of the infrastructure and craneage that is already in place is an important component of Council's Industrial Land Strategy," said Mr Sargeant.
Today's official opening was attended by around 30 dignitaries including Member for Port Macquarie Peter Besseling and Peter Riddle, Managing Director of Lord Howe Island Sea Freight Board.
