A colossal gantry has arrived in Devonport, bringing the state's new Spirit of Tasmania ships one step closer to reality. But here's where it gets controversial... The 700-tonne structure, standing tall at 50 meters and spanning over 30 meters wide, has sparked debates about its impact on the environment and the budget. While some celebrate its arrival as a significant milestone, others question the project's long delay and its financial implications. The gantry, custom-built in China, is designed to load and unload vehicles, trucks, and caravans onto the new vessels. It's significantly larger than the infrastructure currently serving the existing Spirit of Tasmania ships, raising concerns about its environmental footprint. Premier Jeremy Rockliff sees the delivery as a positive sign of progress, but Labor's Shadow Infrastructure Minister Anita Dow isn't so sure. She accuses Rockliff of 'pretending he hasn't ruined the reputation of the Spirits of Tasmania' and highlights the project's epic infrastructure stuff-up. And this is the part most people miss... The project was initially forecast to cost just $90 million, but it's now expected to cost $493 million. Taxpayers are forking out 'just a little under' $900,000 a month to berth Spirit IV in Geelong, despite estimates of $600,000 a month last year. The costs include crew, fuel, and mooring, which Kanofski emphasizes are necessary no matter where the vessels are. So, what do you think? Is the gantry's arrival a cause for celebration or a reason for concern? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss the future of the Spirit of Tasmania project.
