VIDEO feed - Community Forum on the Proposed Privatisation of the Port of Port Kembla

Community Forum on the Proposed Privatisation of the Port of Port Kembla, Wednesday 7 November 2012, Wollongong Town Hall

At its meeting of 27 August 2012, Council reaffirmed its opposition to the privatisation of the Port of Port Kembla. It was resolved to invite the Premier and Minister for the Illawarra to a public meeting to explain why they support the privatisation of the Port of Port Kembla, and how this can be reconciled with pre-election commitments to not pursue privatisation.

A working group consisting of Councillors and co-opted community members was established to organise the public meeting. The Minister for The Illawarra Hon. Greg Pearce accepted the invitation to attend the Community Forum and nominated Cr Michelle Blicavs to be the second speaker on the panel to explain why they support the privatisation of the Port of Port Kembla.

The community forum was held at Wollongong Town Hall on Wednesday 7 November 2012, organised by Wollongong City Council’s Port Privatisation Group. 

The Forum was facilitated by ABC Illawarra’s Nick McLaren, with speakers:

• The Hon Greg Pearce MLC, Minister for the Illawarra
• Arthur Rorris, Secretary, South Coast Labour Council
• Cr Michelle Blicavs, Ward 2 Liberal Councillor (nominated to the panel by Minister Pearce)
• Graham Larcombe, local resident, Director Strategic Economics Group and instrumental in establishing the Grain Terminal at Port Kembla.

Following the speeches, a public question and answer session was held with panel members:

• The Hon Greg Pearce MLC, Minister for the Illawarra
• Arthur Rorris, Secretary, South Coast Labour Council
• Cr Michelle Blicavs, Ward 2 Councillor (nominated by Minister Pearce)
• Graham Larcombe
• Dom Figliomeni, CEO Port Kembla Port Corporation.

A closing statement was then given by The Hon Greg Pearce MLC, Minister for the Illawarra, prior to him leaving the forum. 

Differing political perspectives on the privatisation of the Port were also presented by:

• Ron Hoenig MP, Member for Heffron, Shadow Minister for Energy, Shadow Minister for Ports
• Dr John Kaye MLC, Greens Member of the Legislative Council
• Noreen Hay MP, Member for Wollongong

Below is a full clip of all speakers who addressed our community at this meeting, and the question and answer session recorded by Wollongong City Council.

Minister for Illawarra Good To Go – Public Forum and Q&A on Future of Port Kembla This Wednesday

On Wednesday evening, 7 November from 6.30pm, Wollongong City Council is hosting a free public forum at the Town Hall on the future of Port Kembla.

The public is invited to attend and partake in a Q&A with the Hon. Greg Pearce MLC, Minister for the Illawarra and Finance and Services (pictured). Also partaking in the Q&A is economist Graham Larcombe and South Coast Labour Council Secretary Arthur Rorris, with another representative of the NSW Government to be confirmed.

Following the Q&A will be an address by Ron Hoenig, the Member for Heffron and Shadow Minister for Ports and Energy. Hoenig is also the former Mayor of Botany Bay, whose port is also facing privatisation by the NSW O’Farrell Government. 

Joining Hoenig is Hon. Paul Green MLC, Dr John Kaye and Ryan Park the Member for Keira and Shadow Minister for Roads.

Questions can be submitted for Q&A prior to entry at the information desk in the foyer of the Town Hall, as well as during the event.

Questions are to be hand written and directed to the Q&A speakers.

Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery OAM is opening the night with a welcome to presenters and attendees.

MC for the event and facilitator of the Q&A is Nick McLaren from ABC Illawarra.

Forum Date Set - Minister for the Illawarra to address the community

Today, the Minister for the Illawarra and Minister for Finance Greg Pearce MLC has confirmed he will address a Community Forum on the future of Port Kembla Harbour.

The Forum, to be held on Wednesday 7 November 2012 at 6.30pm at Wollongong Town Hall, will discuss the pros and cons associated with the proposed privatisation of the Port of Port Kembla. ABC journalist Nick McLaren will be MC and mediator for the debate.

The forum is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for our local community to be informed about the State Government proposal and raise questions answered directly with Mr Pearce.

Secretary of The South Coast Labour Council Arthur Rorris will also speak at the Forum. Mr Rorris said, “Finally the Illawarra community will have our chance to hear directly from the Government about the port privatisation proposals and to weigh up all sides of this argument.”

Cr Vicki Curran added, “We are still waiting on a response from the NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell, but we hope he will prioritise the Illawarra community on the 7 November and attend what is sure to be a ‘Great Debate’ regarding the privatisation of our Port”.