Port backflip
Port backflip
February 21, 2007
Section: News
By Simon Forbes
IN a gold medal performance of political gymnastics, the State Opposition has backflipped on its backflip over its plans for Port Kembla.
From 2003 to 2005 the Coalition fully supported plans to make Port Kembla a major car import facility, describing it variously as "one of the biggest opportunities in the region" and "the number one policy priority for the region".
Then on February 9, 2007 came the shock announcement that the Coalition planned to scrap the Iemma Government's $140 million plan for Port Kembla if they won the upcoming March election, in favour of leaving car imports at Glebe Island in Sydney.
Speaking on ABC Illawarra, spokesperson for Opposition Planning, Mr Chris Hartcher said, "This was not going to be a major development for Port Kembla."
"It would employ at most a few dozen people," Mr Hartcher said.
Now, it appears, the Coalition are doing a backflip on their backflip, saying they want the plans for the port to go ahead.
Mr Hartcher is now saying he is committed to car imports at Port Kembla and that it was never Liberal policy to stop Port Kembla from becoming a car import facility.
He said the Opposition's policy was to allow market forces to drive car importers to make their own economic decisions on whether to use Glebe Island or Port Kembla.
Leader of the Opposition Mr Peter Debnam was not available for additional comment at the time of going to press.
Minister for the Illawarra, David Campbell said he was horrified at the Opposition's stance on the Port Kembla project, calling them "?Sydney-centric'.
"The $140 million project is the key driver for jobs growth and investment in our region," Mr Campbell said.
"It means $200 million annually for our economy, and will bring 400 ship visits, 240,000 cars, 30,000 containers and create 1000 direct and indirect jobs.
"For the Member for Vaucluse to put all of that at risk to curry favour with a few of his city mates is an absolute disgrace."
Even car industry experts, some of who were initially opposed to developing Port Kembla as the car import capital of Australia, say that the project has progressed so far now, that it is too late to scrap it.