Media Release
02 July 2008
Review of Coastal Pilotage Service delivery in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef
The Department and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is reviewing the delivery of coastal pilotage services in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef.
The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP has agreed to the review as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to modernising the nation’s transport system.
The review will be conducted in consultation with the shipping industry, pilotage service providers, coastal pilots and their representatives, government departments/ agencies and community interests in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef.
Stakeholders have raised issues with the Minister about the current pilotage service delivery arrangements operating in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef.
There also have been issues raised about the ability of the current system to accommodate the introduction of under keel clearance management systems assisting ship navigation and with the potential to improve cargo carrying capacity through the Torres Strait.
In view of these issues and the need to ensure the regulatory system can deal with future challenges, the Department and AMSA will investigate alternative models of service delivery for consideration by the Government.
Previous independent reviews of coastal pilotage regulation in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef have commented upon its unique competitive situation compared to State and Territory Government arrangements for delivery of harbour pilotage in Australian ports.
Initial stakeholder consultations will commence in early July 2008.
An issues paper is available on the AMSA Internet site at http://www.amsa.gov.au/Shipping_Safety/Coastal_Pilotage/Coastal_Pilotage_Services.pdf to facilitate those discussions and also the making of written submissions by stakeholders.
Media inquiries:
Duncan Sheppard - Department 1300 732 749
Tracey Jiggins - AMSA 0418 164 901