SKM Economics, part of the Sinclair Knight Merz Group, was appointed as sub-consultant to undertake the economic evaluation of a major development proposal for Port Botany. The project was part of an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposal. The proposal involved:
- development of a new 24 ha container terminal at Port Botany/Brotherson Dock
- development of a new 18 ha multi-purpose berth at Port Botany
- cessation of cargo handling at Darling Harbour (berths 3 to 8), Whyte Island and Glebe Island.
Major benefits associated with the proposed development included:
- disposal of prime inner-city harbourside real estate for residential, commercial and leisure related development
- land transport savings to rail and road operators.
The evaluation also included an investigation of landbridging opportunities for trade being handled at Melbourne.
The involvement of the firm in this project demonstrates its skills in the following areas:
- experience in the economic evaluation of large port developments
- experience in the investigation of landbridging opportunities.