THE local cruise industry needs to start planning for the next 10 years now, and doing so sustainably, Australian Cruise Association (ACA) Chief Executive Officer Jill Abel has said. Speaking exclusively to CW ahead of today’s ACA annual conference in Wollongong, Abel said the Australian cruise industry needs to consider...
THE local cruise industry needs to start planning for the next 10 years now, and doing so sustainably, Australian Cruise Association (ACA) Chief Executive Officer Jill Abel has said.
Speaking exclusively to CW ahead of today’s ACA annual conference in Wollongong, Abel said the Australian cruise industry needs to consider what is both environmentally and economically sustainable in order to build off what is expected to be the biggest season ever Down Under later this year.
“Looking at what infrastructure we need to actually facilitate that growth, and how that infrastructure is built and set up to meet those sustainable needs,” she said.
Addressing the serendipity of the conference’s location and Port Kembla’s push to accept more cruise calls, Abel insisted the Government of New South Wales needs to end the delay over a third passenger terminal which can service Sydney.
“This government needs to commit to a location and build a modern, purpose-built turnaround facility,” she affirmed.
“We’ve been pushing for a third terminal, the demand is there, and Port Kembla is a consideration from our perspective.
“The Port Authority (of NSW) have said it’s in the mix for discussion as well.”
The ACA’s 25th annual conference will also focus on discussing future fuel options, particularly what future energy sources may look like, and how they may be accessed.
Future fuel makes up part of ACA’s goal to ensure sustainability commitments on board ships are also being matched on shore.
“Cruise has been very vocal about how they’re being sustainable on board the ships, and we need to match some of that on shore,” Abel insisted.
Pictured are ACA’s Natalie Godward from NSW Ports Authority, Abel, and Inchcape Shipping’s Karlie Cavanagh – more from the ACA conference on page three of today’s CW.
