Tim welcomes Tom
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Tim welcomes Tom

Tommy Norton, the new Lakes Entrance dredge, was welcomed at the Bullock Island Wharf at Lakes Entrance today by Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull who joined East Gippsland Shire representatives, Parliamentary colleagues, Board members and staff of Gippsland Ports and fishing, tourism and shipping industry representatives for the official handover of the vessel.
 
“This is an important occasion for the recreational and commercial fishing industries operating within and through the Port of Gippsland Lakes and I’m pleased to see this day finally arrive, having initiated the expressions of interest process for its construction when in government back in 2014,” Mr Bull said.
 
“I congratulate Gippsland Ports on its success in bringing this state of the art vessel to Lakes Entrance. It is a credit to the vision of the Board members and to the technical skills and capacity for innovation of the staff of Gippsland Ports that we have this vessel here today.  
 
“The recreational boating and commercial fishing industries operating within and through the Port of Gippsland Lakes generate more than $200 million annually, so it is vital that safe ocean access at Lakes Entrance is maintained.
 
Mr Bull said he was pleased that the current State Government had seen the project through to its completion.
 
“The arrival of the new dredge gives confidence to the East Gippsland community that the entrance will now remain navigable for the long-term, which in turn provides security that will support ongoing investment in our region,” he said.
 
Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull at the handover ceremony for the Tommy Norton. The former Liberal-Nationals Coalition initiated the expressions of interest process for the dredge’s construction in 2014.
 
Thursday, October 5, 2017