The State Government has laid the blame for delays in the $350 million Quaylink redevelopment of the Port of Devonport squarely on Spirit of Tasmania operator TT-Line.
The Quaylink project includes a new terminal at East No. 3 Berth for the replacement Spirit of Tasmania ships, currently under construction in Finland.
Deputy Premier and former Transport and Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson has told the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Public Accounts inquiry into the delays, that TT-Line had decided to rescind the port contract and call for a new tender without advising the Government.
The inquiry, being chaired by Murchison Independent MLC Ruth Forest is also looking at delays to the ships being built as well.
Mr Ferguson told the committee he’s very disappointed by the delays, saying the Government is committed to getting the ships and port infrastructure fully operational as soon as possible..
The inquiry will re-convene on Friday to hear submissions from former Opposition Leader Rebecca White and former Shadow Treasurer and Braddon MP Shane Broad.
