Time to reveal dredge plan

THE Port of Cairns faces the distinct possibility of being bypassed by the operators of large cruise ships as the Queensland Government and Ports North procrastinate over a study considering the dredging of the city’s main shipping channel.

Two of the main operators, RCL and Carnival Australia, have put all port authorities on notice that they must start upgrading their facilities, particularly for larger ships, or miss out.

Cruising is exploding in Australia with 21 per cent growth last year, an extra 222,378 Australians took cruises to total 1.28 million.

The target is two million by 2020 but that goal is slipping away as ports fail to provide the infrastructure required for larger vessels.

The operators are bringing megaliners Down Under, huge ships such as the 5000-passenger Ovation of the Seas, to handle the growth.

That ship won’t be able to get into Cairns. At this stage if dredging goes ahead, the port will be able to handle ships up to 300m long, carrying about 2500 passengers, such as Radiance of the Seas.

The operators, passengers and crew want to come to Cairns.

The cruise liner terminal is a wonderful rustic facility and a far cry from the industry drabness that Townsville and Brisbane offer. They can stroll into town and easily take part in a variety of activities from tours to dining and shopping.

The EIS process has been ongoing since 2012 and the release of the study has been delayed four times. It is due again next month.

The entire episode has been mired in red tape and political interference.

The community wants an answer. Not continued stalling. Nick Dalton nick.dalton@news.com.au