Media release – Eric Abetz, Minister for Transport; Michael Ferguson, Minister for Infrastructure, 25 June 2024
Tasmania prepares for new spirits
The Tasmanian Liberal Government has taken further steps to ensure the Devonport port redevelopment remains on track to meet its goals.
In an exciting development, the first of the new Spirit of Tasmania ships has successfully completed the first trial run in the open seas off Finland.
Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz, said that while there is still further work to be done before the vessel is in service, this is an important and welcome step forward.
“All going well, we expect that the first of the new ships will be ready for delivery in Q3 of 2024, commencing its journey to Tasmania not long after,” Minister Abetz said.
“TT-Line has also now finalised the procurement process for the Berth 3 redevelopment, with a new preferred contractor now secured.”
Following recent advice, shareholder Ministers, Michael Ferguson, and Eric Abetz, have formally directed TT-Line and TasPorts to take all the necessary action in relation to the berthing projects at Devonport Port, ensuring the appropriate portside infrastructure is in place to support the arrival of our new ships.
TasPorts will undertake additional and immediate works to Berths 1 and 2 at Devonport Port to ensure suitable berthing is available in time for the arrival of the first new Spirit of Tasmania ship.
The move follows recent advice from TT-Line of projected delays in the completion of the Berth 3 project which confirmed it would not be ready until January 2026.
TT-Line has advised the Government that the latest total cost estimate for the development of Berth 3 project is approximately $375 million, including costs already incurred to date. The revision is due to a global increase in materials and construction costs.
Minister for Infrastructure, Michael Ferguson, said that pre-caretaker, there was a preferred contractor in place and a public commitment by TT-Line that the new berth would be ready.
“The decision to rescind the preferred-contractor status was a unilateral decision taken by TT-Line within its responsibilities due to cost escalations,” Minister Ferguson said.
“The Government’s position remains that appropriate berthing must be in place at Devonport to support the arrival of our new ships.
“This expectation extends to TT-Line ensuring that appropriate fuelling arrangements are in place to support the new vessels both at Berth 1 and Berth 3.”
The Tasmanian Government will also provide enhanced oversight of both berthing projects, with TT-Line and TasPorts required to provide full and immediate advice throughout the projects to shareholder Ministers, including any advice relating to the timing, delivery and cost of the vessels.
Media release – Dean Winter MP, Labor Leader, Shadow Minister for Jobs, Workplace Relations and Safety, 25 June 2024
Spirits scandal deepens as Abetz, Ferguson admit massive port infrastructure failure
The scandal around the two new Spirit of Tasmania vessels has dramatically deepened this afternoon, with Michael Ferguson and Eric Abetz finally admitting the long-promised port infrastructure is massively delayed and over budget.
The new Spirit of Tasmania vessels cannot operate out of Devonport without the wharf upgrades, which now won’t be delivered until at least 2026 and will cost $375 million. Alarmingly, Michael Ferguson has also appeared to suggest there are concerns about TT-Line’s ability to deliver the necessary refuelling infrastructure at Devonport, with no indication of when the issue might be resolved.
Respected economist Saul Eslake has shown that every year the new Spirits are delayed costs the Tasmanian economy $350 million. They are already three years late.
Minister Ferguson says the government will now “provide enhanced oversight of both berthing projects, with TT-Line and TasPorts required to provide full and immediate advice throughout the projects to shareholder Ministers, including any advice relating to the timing, delivery and cost of the vessels.”
What on earth has he been doing up until now?
As with so many major projects promised by the Liberals, the Spirits program has been plagued with delays, cost blowouts and secrecy – and it’s taxpayers and the Tasmania economy that pay the price.
Media release – Tasmanian Small Business Council, 25 June 24
The New Tasmania Spirit will lift Tasmanian spirits
‘News today that the new Spirit of Tasmania ferry is on track to be here in the next few months will be music to the ears for tourism operators and Tasmanian travellers alike, said Robert Mallett, CEO of the Tasmanian Small Business Council.
‘Getting a glimpse of the Spirit as you transit or stay in Devonport (especially for southerners) makes the heart stir and lifts spirits, even for the most unemotional of us.
‘It is that cruise link which belongs to us and facilitates mainland visitors to our shores, supports our small businesses and fills our hotel rooms and B and B’s.
‘It is also the link which allows us to take our vehicle, camper, family and freight to the mainland. Our very own main road to the mainland.
‘Like the excitement of getting a new car or home, a brand spanking new ship with the word Tasmania emblazoned on its side will make us all hope that it is full of happy travellers and a little twinge of jealousy that it isn’t us this time.
‘However, it is our ship and the TT line and the shareholder Ministers should keep in mind that Tasmanians should always get a Tasmanian benefit of using it. The recent abolition of the frequent traveller fare has significantly increased the cost of doing business for many Tasmanians and it should be reinstated immediately. An increased capacity should make this very doable.
‘Notwithstanding, the day when we have a new Spirit can’t come soon enough.
