The Coalition Government has announced a $44million expansion of the Port of Eden in New South Wales should it be re-elected.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced this project and a $5.6million upgrade to Merimbula Airport as part of an initiative to create two major new gateways to the Far South Coast of NSW.
The Port of Eden expansion will enable the world’s largest cruise ships to dock on the NSW Far South Coast for the first time, providing direct access to thousands of international tourists and an important stopover between Sydney and Melbourne.
The project is expected to create 86 ongoing jobs, including in the tourism, hospitality, aquaculture and stevedoring sectors.
Mr Turnbull said the expanded port and airport were important elements of his National Economic Plan.
“These vital investments will create jobs, open new markets and expand opportunities on the Far South Coast,” Mr Turnbull said.
Member for Eden-Monaro Peter Hendy said the upgrade is crucial to support increased passenger and freight services.
“It is the number one economic development priority of the Bega Shire and complements the previously announced $10million from the Federal Government for the Port of Eden redevelopment.
“The Merimbula Airport upgrade is the number one economic development priority of the Bega Shire and the Port of Eden expansion will be transformative.
“Together, they will open up enormous new tourism and trade opportunities for the Bega Valley,” Mr Hendy said.
The port expansion will include $29million of new funding from the State Government as well as earlier commitments of $3million from the State Government, $2million from the Bega Council and $10million from the Federal Government.
The work is expected to be completed by 2018.
