NSW: Federal takeover of ports half-baked, Tripodi says

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2007
NSW: Federal takeover of ports half-baked, Tripodi says

A reported federal proposal to take over of the nation's ports .. has been described
as half-baked by the New South Wales government.

Deputy prime minister MARK VAILE says Canberra could pump billions of dollars into
key export infrastructure in New South Wales and Queensland.

But he says the states would have to surrender control of major coal-loading ports
along Australia's east coast.

However New South Wales Ports Minister JOE TRIPODI says the efficiency of Newcastle
port isn't the issue .. but the capacity of the track bringing coal to the port.

He say there've been plans for long time for the federal government to invest 300 million
dollars upgrading that track .. but it hasn't happened.









News Limited reports today the federal government's been frustrated by delays to works
at major New South Wales and Queensland ports .. which have left scores of tankers waiting
to berth .. risking Australia's export reputation.

AAP RTV kd/rt

KEYWORD: PORTS TRIPODI (SYDNEY)

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