Feature
Issue No. 23 - June/Nuly 2005
The Port floats a shipbuilding future
The combined effect of the $1.2 billion Newport Quays development, the Port River Expressway, the growing importance of Navy shipbuilding in the region and the deepening of the Port River will restore Port Adelaide as a major regional centre, says Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Fiona Barr.
Massive infrastructure redevelopment in the Port Adelaide area is giving rise to hopes that the region’s unused industrial capital assets will form the basis of a renaissance of transport-based prosperity.
“It won’t be the same as the days when the Port had 10,000 waterside workers and was a vital, thriving centre of industry, commerce and retailing,” she said, “when the Inner harbour was alive with activity as ships arrived from every corner of the world.
“But there is, without any doubt, going to be a major revival of the city that will once again make it a centre for investment, jobs, housing and tourism.
She said the economic effects of the Port River Expressway would be realised in a several ways.
Most importantly, it will divert traffic, primarily heavy vehicles, away from St Vincent Street and Commercial Road in the Port’s centre. This will encourage redevelopment of shops and businesses in the area, increase property values, and enable development of a more pedestrian-orientated town centre.
“This will encourage the further development of tourism, cultural and recreational facilities related to Port Adelaide’s unique maritime and commercial heritage,” Ms Barr said.
She said that the Navy’s shipbuilding activities at Osborne and the $3.5 billion contract won by the Australian Submarine Corporation for through-life support for the Collins Class submarines would have a major, ongoing economic impact on the region.
“Not only will it provide nearly 1500 jobs for the foreseeable future, it helps support the many small businesses in the region that provide the ASC with goods and services.
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