Minister for Ports David Hodgett visited Apollo Bay Harbour today to announce the awarding of contracts totalling more than $3 million to procure a new dredge and workboat for the harbour.

The Victorian Coalition Government’s $28 million Transport Solutions regional freight initiative to improve regional freight transport connections kicked off today with the announcement of $3.5 million for three projects in the Geelong region.

Minister for Ports David Hodgett welcomed today’s news, from the Port of Melbourne Corporation, announcing a shortlist of bidders to build and operate Melbourne’s third international container terminal.

Claims made by the Shadow Treasurer Tim Pallas that he is confident a Labor appointed group of consultants would find Bay West a preferred option and cast doubts on the need for the East-West Link were laughable and dangerous, Minister for Ports David Hodgett said today.

A key component of Victoria’s future economic security was significantly boosted today with Premier Denis Napthine announcing $110 million to progress the Port of Hastings development.

Minister for Ports David Hodgett today announced the reappointment of Ken Jarvis as Chairperson to the Board of Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA).

Construction has commenced at the Victorian Coalition Government’s $1.6 billion Port Capacity Project with Premier Denis Napthine and Minister for Ports David Hodgett today celebrating the landmark occasion.

The $1.6 billion Port Capacity Project has been given the go ahead following a decision by Planning Minister Matthew Guy to provide the planning approval for works to commence at Melbourne’s Webb Dock.

The Victorian Coalition Government has announced funding for 57 new projects that enhance safety on the State’s coastal and inland waterways.

Minister for Ports Denis Napthine today welcomed the appointment of the inaugural Chief Executive Officer for the Port of Hastings Development Authority (PoHDA).

Recreational boaters at Altona and Newport will benefit from almost $400,000 in facility upgrades with Minister for Ports Denis Napthine announcing two projects today.

Minister for Ports Denis Napthine today announced three new appointments to the Port of Melbourne Corporation Board which is tasked to ensure the port can meet the future demands of increased trade.

Daniel Andrews’ back-flip on developing a second container port at the Port of Hastings will put thousands of Victorian jobs at risk and rip $1 billion from the state economy every year.

The next step towards building Melbourne’s much needed second container port are now underway with the commencement of key studies into Westernport, its natural environment, and port design.

Minister for Ports Denis Napthine met with port operator DP World today, to inspect the company’s investment in new equipment that will assist in boosting capacity and productivity at their Port of Melbourne container terminal.

The Port of Melbourne Corporation’s 2011-12 Annual Report, tabled in the Victorian Parliament today, sets a solid foundation for the $1.6 billion Port Capacity Project, Minister for Ports Denis Napthine said today.

The $1.6 billion redevelopment of the Port of Melbourne reached a major milestone today, with Premier Ted Baillieu officially inviting expressions of interest seeking operators for the new Webb Dock container terminal, automotive terminal and Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI) Hub.

Minister for Ports Denis Napthine was joined by Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull in Paynesville today to announce $7.15 million in funding to support the ongoing operation of Gippsland Ports this year.