Carnival Australia has welcomed the terms of reference released by the Department of Defence late last week for the review into shared access by cruise ships at Garden Island, Sydney.

Assessing the feasibility of enhancing cruise ship access whilst focusing on the primary role of the area as a Naval Base, the review will examine requirements by both the Navy and cruise lines including short notice emergency Navy dockings and the advanced notice required by the cruise industry.

“We welcome the terms of reference and we are particularly pleased the review will include consideration of the economic benefits of improving cruise ship access to Sydney Harbour,” said Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia.

“Carnival Australia is also pleased the review covers dockyard facilities at Garden Island because the dry dock there is of vital importance for the maintenance and repair of cruise ships as well as for the Navy.”

The company will join other cruise industry representatives, transport, tourism and government sectors in submitting a review for the proposal with a final report tabled to the Minister for Defence by the end of December 2011.

Originally published on e-Travel Blackboard