The “new” Outer Harbor passenger terminal in South Australia was officially opened today following a major $500,000 facelift.
This follows a joint venture between the South Australian Government and the private operator of the Port of Adelaide – Flinders Ports – who joined forces to fund the redevelopment of the terminal.
Key improvements include:
- A new road/traffic system into the terminal precinct – similar to airport drop off zones – for people dropping off or picking up passengers.
- A direct walkway from the terminal to the nearby Outer Harbor railway station.
- Improved facilities inside the terminal.
- A new visitor information area and improved signage/information about South Australia.
- New floor coverings throughout the building.
- Internal and external painting of building, and;
- Relocating the gangway entry point from the southern end to the northern end of the building to improve the flow of people through the site.
In total, more than $1.1 million has been spent on the passenger terminal precinct redevelopment, after Flinders Ports’ committed an extra $600,000 by fast-tracking three years of its maintenance program at the complex.
This has allowed new large windows – not part of the original redevelopment plans – to be installed on the western side of the complex.
Flinders Ports also demolished a large storage shed alongside the passenger terminal to improve car-parking facilities in the area.
The project took about five months to complete.
“This is a significant day for South Australian tourism, and we are absolutely delighted with the redevelopment of the passenger terminal,” Flinders Ports Chief Executive Officer, Mr Vincent Tremaine, said today.
“Many people who have been inside the terminal previously will not recognise it today as it is virtually like new,” he said.
“The entire interior has been re-designed to allow for a better flow of passengers disembarking for the many cruise ships that berth at Outer Harbor each year.
“From today, future visitors to SA who arrive by cruise ships will – through the terminal’s redevelopment – get an immediate impression that SA is a progressive, modern and contemporary place to visit.”
Mr Tremaine said about 27 ships were due in South Australian waters this “cruise season”, which runs from this month through to March, with 20 of those vessels to berth at Outer Harbor.
The passenger terminal upgrade continues Flinders Ports’ commitment to revitalise the Port of Adelaide, including Outer Harbor (and six other ports it operates in South Australia).
Earlier this year, the Company unveiled the first phase of its $50 million Port Adelaide Bulk Precinct – a $6 million, 2500 square metre, fully-enclosed storage facility, adjacent Berth 29.
Three years ago, Flinders Ports joined with the SA Government to fund the $45 million deepening of the State’s main shipping channel at Outer Harbor, including deepening the channel by an extra two metres to 14.2 metres.
The Company has also been the driving force behind a number of other major projects in the area including a new $34 million grain berth and a $17 million, 149-metre extension of the State’s container terminal.
About Flinders Ports
Flinders Ports is one of Australia’s pre-eminent port operators, currently operating seven ports in South Australia – Port Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Klein Point, Port Giles, Thevenard and Wallaroo.
