Abetz backs Apollo Bay

The Tasmanian Government is advocating for the re-establishment of a direct commercial shipping route between King Island and Apollo Bay, citing economic benefits and improved freight access for the island’s residents.

In a letter to the Great Ocean Road Parks and Coast Authority (GORCAPA), Transport Minister Eric Abetz called for a reconsideration of a proposed trial freight service, after a permit for a trial cattle shipment was refused due to concerns over safety, mooring requirements and cargo management.

“The mutual benefits to King Island and the Apollo Bay region would be substantial and generate employment and favourable business prospects in both regions,” Minister Abetz wrote.

Currently, King Island’s only direct link to mainland Australia is via Port Welshpool, a 360-nautical-mile journey that is serviced by private operator Eastern Line Shipping. 

Following TasPorts’s cutting of the King Island Victoria direct route, operator Bass Island Line tranships freight via a Tasmanian port, increasing costs for businesses and residents.

Under the proposal, Bass Strait Freight would operate a limited trial service between King Island and Apollo Bay, reducing the journey to just 80 nautical miles, arguing that this would significantly cut travel times and weather disruptions. 

Minister Abetz also stressed that a regular shipping link would provide new business opportunities in Apollo Bay and respond to long-standing calls from King Islanders for more direct trade routes.

“A balance must be sought between the interests of some user groups and the essential role ports play in the movement of goods and people,” he stated, urging GORCAPA to consider the broader economic and social benefits and to reconsider their position in their final decision.

The Minister also pointed to the potential for passenger transport, which could boost tourism in both regions.

The Port of Apollo Bay is currently undergoing a $12.6 million redevelopment, and the Minister warned that rejecting the shipping trial could result in a missed opportunity for both King Island and the Colac-Otway region.

“It would be a lost opportunity if there is not at least the opportunity to test how the movement of relatively small freight volumes can be accommodated,” he wrote.

The Tasmanian Government remains hopeful that Apollo Bay can support a long-term commercial shipping service, ensuring stronger trade and transport links across Bass Strait.