Our Port Our Future – Letter to the State Govt and Citizens of NSW

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Letter to the New South Wales Government and Citizens of New South Wales,

The New South Wales Government is planning to privatise state-owned Port Kembla for 99 years. 

The Port is operating competitively and efficiently, and every year is returning millions of dollars to the people of NSW, which we badly need to pay for our schools and hospitals and to improve our infrastructure.

Port Kembla is vital to the economic well being of New South Wales. There is no case for privatisation.

The privatisation, which involves a one-off and highly inadequate payment now, will not cover the 99 year lease period. It is a short-term cash grab.

Port Kembla was established as a publicly-owned harbour in the early 1900s. History shows that private harbours don’t work in the Illawarra.

Port Kembla’s growth and future have always been crucial for the region, for the long-term interests of the businesses that operate in the Port and for the 4,000 waterfront, maritime and other workers that directly and indirectly derive their livelihood from it.

Please listen to Wollongong City Council and our concerned residents. The Government has done no feasibility or scoping studies. We are concerned that the one off payment for the 99 year lease with deprive our city, State and future generations.

In the event of privatisation going ahead, we request a Joint Parliamentary Committee be formed to oversee and ensure transparency and accountability on this matter prior to any formal agreement being made with potential bidders being national or foreign owned entities.

Wollongong Council, along with Shellharbour Council and the South Coast Labour Council all oppose the privatisation of the Port. Please leave the Port alone.

Regards,

Save Our Ports Coordinating Committee, and names here under signed.