Carnival Australia is concerned
that the latest Defence White
Paper fails to address cruise
ship access to Sydney’s naval
base.
Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry has
expressed dismay that the Defence White
Paper released by the Federal Government last
week ignores “the vital question” of whether
cruise ships will be able to use the berthing
facilities at Garden Island.
The company, which operates most of the
cruise ships sailing to or from Sydney, has
spent several years requesting long-term
access to the harbourside site, with relatively
little success.
“We welcomed the Federal Government’s
decision to allow limited access to Garden
Island for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 summer
cruise seasons and experience shows that the
arrangements have worked effectively,” Sherry
said.
“As a maritime organisation, Carnival
Australia has always understood and shared
the Navy’s commitment to the traditions and
security requirements that apply at Garden
Island and have demonstrated our respect for
them.”
Sherry said the issue was becoming
increasingly urgent to allow itinerary planning
that would ensure Sydney remains the hub of
cruise industry operations in Australia.
“The need to resolve Sydney Harbour’s port
infrastructure requirements has never been
more important knowing that the Overseas
Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay and
Garden Island are the only suitable berths
east of the harbour bridge for the increasing
number of larger ships.
“On this basis, we are seeking access to
Garden Island for the overflow of cruise ships
that cannot or are unable to berth at Circular
Quay during peak summer cruise seasons.”
Within three years, it is expected that onethird
of all ships visiting Sydney will be unable
to fit under the bridge.
The paper was released days after the
announcement of 2012 statistics that
confirmed cruising as “the standout success of
Australian tourism” with an increase of 11%
in passenger numbers, the eighth consecutive
year of double-digit industry growth.
Undeterred in her efforts to gain support
for cruising’s continued growth and economic
contribution, Sherry said: “We remain
committed to achieving a solution as soon as
possible that addresses the interests of the
Navy, cruise industry and wider tourism sector
that benefits from the growth of cruising.”
