TASPORTS has entered the second year of its Industry Support program with grants totalling almost $100,000 towards initiatives that support Tasmanian industries.
The statewide program targets skills development and strengthens workforce capacity in areas of greatest need, with further grants currently under consideration.
At the same time, work has begun on the Macquarie Wharf 6 redevelopment project.
TasPorts interim CEO Allan Gray said as operator of Tasmania’s multi-port network, TasPorts can play a pivotal role in connecting business and supporting industry growth.
“In consultation with industry, we’re helping to bridge the gaps through education, training, research, development and collaboration.
“These partnerships strengthen workforce capability across sectors, promoting job readiness and developing leaders, while working to attract investment and trade opportunities for our exporters.”
TasPorts’ 2026 Industry Support Program partners are:
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) – Delivering a series of regional exporter networking events to strengthen connections, share market insights, and support trade growth.
Tasmanian Hospitality & Tourism Academy (THTA) – Delivering a statewide campaign to address capability gaps and recruitment challenges for cruise tour guides across Tasmania’s key port regions.
Property Council of Australia – Delivering a “Ports to Precincts” leadership program to build capability and awareness of port-related infrastructure and precinct development.
Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC) – Providing Industry pathways program to support skills development and strengthen workforce pipelines.
Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone (BBAMZ) – Delivering a Bell Bay Industry Development Project to support investment attraction and trade growth.
TasPorts 2026 Industry Support Program partner and Tasmanian Property Council interim executive director, Michael Kerschbaum, said the Ports to Precincts partnership would help the Council build leadership capability among emerging professionals in the property, infrastructure, planning and development sectors.
“The program links construction and asset management with the role of ports, freight and precinct-based development to promote collaboration, infrastructure literacy and long-term economic growth,” Mr Kerschbaum said.
“The course will include a mix of industry briefings and site-based learning opportunities, leadership development, content and networking to foster an informed and competitive marketplace.”
TasPorts says it is committed to working closely with industry partners across a diverse range of sectors to support industry success and deliver positive outcomes for the broader Tasmanian community.
Industry Support Program guidelines and details of previous partnerships can be found on the TasPorts website.
Separately, TasPorts Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment is underway with the first stage to deliver a purpose-built home berth at Macquarie Wharf 6 for the Australian Antarctic Program's research/ice breaker Nuyina.
Design and construction partner, Hazell Brady Joint Venture has taken possession of the site, delivering geo-tech investigations and sediment sampling ahead of wharf demolition mid-year.
The JV team has been actively mobilising site facilities and undertaking early investigative works to set the project up for success from day one. This has included sediment sampling via vibrocoring to confirm sediment properties within the existing berth pocket, helping to further refine the detailed design.