The week before last, a boat was spotted on the previously closed Currie Harbour slip and the community speculated and celebrated.
However, TasPorts says it is continuing to work on the concept design for repair and reinstatement. TasPorts closed the slipway at Currie Harbour last October for remedial work, and fishers feared that the slipway would remain closed during summer.
The TasPorts solution for dry dock repairs was to use the facilities in Stanley. Local cray fishers felt that this was not viable or they could face major issues. Some fishers, preparing for the cray season, used slipways in Hobart and Victoria.
Last week, the Courier requested a status update and detail of slip plans from TasPorts as a boat had been seen on the slip.
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said, TasPorts was continuing to work with the King Island fishing community and Mayor on the concept design for repair and reinstatement and would have more to say in coming weeks.
In May 2022 the Hobart surveyor who visited the island for TasPorts indicated that the slipway needed remedial work and put two proposals to the TasPorts board. The first was to stay with the current design and repair and the second was to put in a hydraulic trailer system.
In November in response to the sudden slip closure, Chief Operating Officer Stephen Casey, said TasPorts was committed to ensuring the safety of all port users.
“Following initial investigations at the Currie Harbour slipway site, a closure is in effect to allow an assessment of rectification options.”
In mid-November Labor Primary Industries and Water spokeperson Janie Finlay asked why the slip was closed and when would it reopen.
“Is it true that TasPorts have offered to sell this slip to the fishers for $1?”
Premier Rockliff said he had been advised by TasPorts that in June 2022 TasPorts was considering temporary repairs to the slipway at Currie Harbour so that slipping could continue.
“In July this year, advice was received from TasPorts engineers and external contractors to say that temporary repairs were not feasible, so a decision was made to close the slipway while further investigation is taken, including an assessment of safe operating parameters and long-term rectification options.
“Once concluded, TasPorts will make a decision considering the future of the slipway,” the Premier said.