In July 2009 Glenelg Shire Council was appointed as Manager of the Portland Bay Local Port (Trawler Wharf) on behalf of the Crown (under the Crown Land Reserves Act 1978).
The $14m redevelopment upgraded the existing trawler wharf, effectively doubling its length to 268m metres, to berth around 9 vessels, some of which can be up to 300 tonnes. It also has a separate, 100m parallel floating jetty to accommodate slightly smaller boats.
The Wharf is reserved for the commercial fishing industry and from time to time, accommodates other vessels for special events, exceptional circumstances, or emergencies.
Port staff have continued to put a major emphasis on implementing the Port’s Safety and Environment Management Plan (SEMP) as quickly as possible. SEMP Certification was achieved in March 2013. A copy of the report can be downloaded via the link located at the bottom of the page.
Capable of parking multiple semi trailers and even B Doubles alongside the fishing vessels, the wharf has seen a vast increase in boats wishing to unload. Supplying nearly 40% of Victoria’s wet landed fish worth around $30m, Portland is an integral hub for the fishing industry operating in Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. The Port also sees oil/gas rig tenders, tugs, tall ships, patrol boats and other types of vessels.
Click here for a list of the current Trawler Wharf Fees.