In 2020, the Port of Melbourne announced and explained its agenda for the development of the port
over the course of next three decades – the 2050 Port Development Strategy. This Strategy is
designed to increase and enhance the current capacities of the Port and supply chain efficiencies
that upgrade the competitive position of Victoria in Australia’s trade and commerce, and liveability
of greater Melbourne.
The 2050 Port Development Strategy is a high-level roadmap that provides a planning framework
which has been made dynamic to accommodate and respond effectively to emerging industry
trends, innovation, and the changing needs of a changing society. It is an inclusive plan that
encompasses economic, environmental and social goals for the Port of Melbourne.
The Strategy outlines ten vital infrastructure projects that will improve capacity at the Port while
also addressing the needs of a growing population and its ever-increasing demands. The first of
these long gestation projects – Port Rail Transformation Project – is already underway and planned for completion in 2023.
Major Objectives of the 2050 Port Development Strategy
- Optimising on-Port productivity by using existing Port land and facilities before making any
fresh investments - Enhancing on-Port capacity to cater to future demand growth effectively
- Supporting growth of off-port supply chain productivity by delivering capable and reliable
landside transport networks such as railroads for distributing Port freight - Promoting social and environmental awareness within and around the Port aligned with
Sustainable Development Goals - Value creation for all stakeholders associated with the Port
Rationale behind the 2050 Port Development Strategy
- There are 4 principles that determine the rationale behind the 2050 Port Development Strategy,
based on PoM analysis, stakeholder feedback and strategic planning work.
Constant growth in the demand for container trade as the community continues to grow will
require the Port to regularly invest and enhance its capacities - Investment in rail is essential to maximise the Port’s capacity and improve on-land transport
connections for effective movement of freight and minimising traffic caused by trucks on the
roads of Melbourne - Infrastructure planning, approvals and long delivery timeframes mean that the next phase of
Port expansion must begin as soon as possible, so that the improvements can be delivered
timely - A cohesive planning through the cooperation between industry, Government, the
community of Melbourne and all other stakeholders is essential for the growth and
development of the Port
Proposed Changes in the 2050 Port Development Strategy
Changes that have been identified to be made in order to enhance the Port’s existing facilities and
land use by 2050 include:
- Developing and improving efficiency of rail network and terminals at Swanson Dock to grow the
volume of freight transported by rail and reduce burden of trucks on the metropolitan roads of
Melbourne - Building a new Webb Dock Freight Link and associated rail terminals to further grow the volume of freight transported by rail into and out of the Port directly without relying on road transportation
- Increasing the capacity of the existing Swanson Dock and Webb Dock container berths to handle
larger container vessels and extend the life and functionality of these facilities - Creating new and expanding existing container terminal capacity within Webb Dock to support
consistent growth of trade - Relocating the Tasmanian trade to Appleton / Victoria Docks to sustain continued growth of
container trade - Potential development of new liquid bulk capacity at key locations such as Yarraville Berth 6,
Gellibrand Pier or Breakwater Pier to support continued demand for liquid bulk and the operation of larger liquid bulk vessels - Continuing and increasing the use of South Wharf and the Yarraville Precinct for dry bulk trades,
particularly cement and gypsum - Incorporating the former Melbourne Wholesale Market Site in the Dynon Precinct into the Port’s
operations to support continued trade growth and increase the volume of Port trade handled by
railroads.
A continuous and rigorous effort to improve the infrastructure at Port of Melbourne is undoubtedly
imperative for the overall growth of Australia in handling its trade, as the Port is the largest and the
most significant port in the country. PoM is headed towards an upwards growth trajectory with the
2050 Port Development Strategy. Sustainable and resilient infrastructure will pave way for smoother
trader operations and social benefits to the community.
With regards to the 2050 Port Development Strategy, Port of Melbourne CEO, Brendan Bourke, said
“It’s vital that we all stay focused on the bigger picture – delivering the right infrastructure and
operating environment to drive efficiencies in the supply chain so that we can continue to play our
role in the state’s economic future.”