Port proposal prompts 450 submissions

THE Port of Hastings has received 450 submissions on its draft Land Use and Transport Strategy.
The corporation’s chief executive, Ralph Kenyon, said more than a dozen community information sessions and public meetings across the Western Port region over the last six months had allowed hundreds of people to discuss proposals for the port’s longterm future.
“I am pleased that around 450 individuals and organisations formally responded before the close of submissions on Wednesday 14 March.
“I thank them for having a say and helping us to develop the port in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable way,” he said.
Mr Kenyon said the submissions raised a range of issues, which the corporation would consider in detail.
He said a list of submitters and a summary of issues raised during the consultation process would be published soon on the port’s website www.portofhastings.vic.gov.au.
“The port will look at all of the matters raised by submitters and then present a report to the State Government setting out its recommendations, including potential future transport routes.
“While the current round of consultation has concluded, there will be further opportunities for community input.
“This is likely to take several months.”
Mr Kenyon said people would get a say through the planning and Environment Effects Statement processes before the government made a final decision on issues such as transport routes.
“These normal planning and environmental protection processes include public consultation, the chance to make written submissions and to appear before independent public panel hearings,” he said.