HOBART WHARF INFRASTRUCTURE NOT UP TO TOURISM SCRATCH
Fears Ferry Service Expansion Being Stifled
The Tasmanian Greens today raised during Tasports Government Business Enterprise Committee hearings concerns over the condition of Franklin and Brooke Street piers on the Hobart waterfront, and whether they are up to standard to meet expectations for local and tourist use.
Greens Member for Braddon, Paul O’Halloran MP, urged that the potential for expanded local and tourism ferry services is prioritised during the current upgrade process, saying it is critical that Tasports plays a leadership role in liaising with commercial operators.
“The Greens understand that there have been recent reports over the last few years which have raised serious concerns over the state of the Franklin and Brooke St Pier infrastructure, which has implications for public and commercial usage, and particularly securing ongoing private investment,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“The internationally acclaimed MONA experience, which has proven to be a fantastic boon and has helped place Hobart onto the international travel scene as a key place to visit, is a great example of how private entrepreneurship can also play dividends for the state. However it also demonstrates how we need to ensure that public infrastructure makes an appropriate contribution to delivering on that capacity.”
“The ferry component of the MONA experience is a key part of that experience for locals and visitors alike, which demonstrates how crucial Hobart’s wharf infrastructure is to the local economy.”
“Many within government doubted the proposed figures when MONA’s ferry service first begun, and now we know that they have exceeded even their own projections, to the extent that a larger ferry and expanded service is being considered.”
“Clearly it is both common-sense and good economic sense to ensure that TasPorts ensures that all key players, including the Department of Infrastructure and the Hobart City Council, are integrated into the process of redeveloping this critical public infrastructure, and to ensure that private investment via commercial operators where appropriate can be facilitated.”
Mr O’Halloran also sought confirmation that the piers would comply with the new OH&S standards that will be in force by January 2013.
“The public, as well as business operators, need to feel confident that the pier facilities will comply fully with the incoming OH&S standards and meet expectations about appropriate shelter, toilets and disability access.”
“Critical to any potential private investment and expansion is a guarantee that the public infrastructure is of an appropriate standard and have the capacity to deal with not only larger vessels but also the expectations of the travelling public.”
• REPORT CONFIRMS CONCERNS OVER TASPORTS PILOT APPOINTMENT
Kim Booth MP
Greens Member for Bass
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Tasmanian Greens today received confirmation that Tasports employed a marine pilot for Hobart Port in August 2011 who did not have the essential advertised qualifications and who has had to undergo lengthy and costly training whilst receiving a wage in the order of $200,000.
During Government Business Enterprise Scrutiny Committee Hearings today, Greens Member for Bass Kim Booth MP highlighted the findings of damning report commissioned by Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) [1] and emphasised that more than a year has now passed and Tasports still does not have the person employed working as a qualified marine pilot on the water.
“I highlighted the MAST-commissioned McCoy Report because MAST are the body responsible for approving the application for the licensing of a pilot that Tasports employs,” said Mr Booth.
“The report states that MAST had indicated to TasPorts that they would not accept an application for a license based on the current training and experience of the applicant.”
“…the applicant appointed by TasPorts did not hold the qualifications nor possess the experience prescribed by Regulation 8.1 (Marine and Safety (Pilotage and Navigation) Regulation 2007 and nor conform to the requirements expressed in the position description or as advertised.” McCoy Report, 2011: pg 3
“The Greens are disappointed that the Minister and Tasports have refused to deal with this matter quickly and appropriately and instead have allowed the matter to drag out to the point that Hobart pilots are working under-staffed and having to work overtime at risk to public health and safety.”
“I also provided the Minister with legal advice at the Committee which states that in the event that the appointed person did work as a marine pilot the authority would not be able to avail itself of statutory immunity.”
“This potentially exposes the Crown to massive risk in the event of a maritime tragedy and it is incumbent on the Minister to seek his own legal opinion to be assured that this would not be the case.”
“The original advertisement for the position listed a certificate of competency as an Australian Master Class I issued by AMSA or equivalent and 123as an ‘essential’ requirement for the position.”
“The applicant himself has done nothing wrong here, rather it’s about ensuring that processes are in place to ensure that pilots operating in Tasmanian waters have the right qualifications and that safety is ensured.”
“At least one other applicant held suitable qualifications, yet TasPorts chose to appoint a person without the required training and pay them a wage in the order of $200,000 dollars while they received lengthy and costly training.”
“The Tasman Bridge Disaster is an example of what could go wrong if the highest standards of marine pilotage aren’t maintained, and responsibility for any accidents would be on the Minister’s head.”
[1] Download: Review of Marine Pilot Training Package commissioned by Marine and Safety Tasmania, 30 November 2011:
Dec05_Review_of_Tasports_Marine_Pilot_Training_Package_Report_ATTACH.pdf
