The Brumby Government is stepping up the redevelopment of the Portland trawler wharf, Environment Minister Gavin Jennings announced today.

“We’re moving forward our efforts to renew the wharf and its infrastructure and will shortly be calling for tenders for the work to improve and modernise this important facility,” Mr Jennings said.

“We want to undertake this project – to upgrade and extend the fishing facilities to meet modern standards – because we understand the significant role of the fishing industry to the region’s economy.

“The return of the wharf to public ownership will provide greater certainty for the Portland fishing industry after the port was privatised in 1996 by the last Coalition Government.”

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is leading the project, which has involved extensive study and community consultation.

“Now that the Glenelg Shire Council’s Foreshore Master Plan is complete, subject to a final sign-off by the Shire and the Port of Portland, construction can begin later this year,” Mr Jennings said.

The return to public ownership has been welcomed by the Port of Portland and the trawler fishing fleet.

The Government is supportive of the Shire's long-term solution for the lobster fleet, which will join the trawler fleet at the refurbished wharf in the interim.

“The Brumby Government acknowledges there is general agreement that the lobster fleet would ideally be located in the north-west corner of Portland Harbour as proposed in the Foreshore Master Plan and this will be its ultimate location,” Mr Jennings said.

“However, as an interim measure, we will be constructing ‘finger jetties’ attached to the trawler wharf for the lobster fleet. These facilities will be constructed so that they can be easily relocated to the north-west corner when it is developed.”

DSE representatives will meet with lobster fishers early next month. They will discuss layout plans of the “finger jetties”, which will attach to the west side of the trawler wharf.

“The Government is looking forward to working with Portland residents, many of whom have welcomed greater certainty for their local wharf and fishing industry,” Mr Jennings said.

Plans of the project will be exhibited at the Glenelg Shire Council offices and public comments are invited up until 11 March, 2008.

Consultations will proceed while tenders are being invited. All consultation outcomes will be fed into the tender process. For more information go to www.dse.vic.gov.au or call 136 186.