National Trust opposes White Bay cruise terminal

"The National Trust has not been able to establish any convincing planning rationale for Balmain as a cruise ship destination," NTA spokesman Scott Woodcock said.

"The creation of a passenger terminal in the absence of a Sydney Metro station will significantly add to traffic congestion on Anzac Bridge."

However NSW ports minister Paul McLeay said that the decision in December last year to build the cruise terminal at White Bay was the result of extensive level of due diligence by the Passenger Cruise Terminal Steering Committee.

"The committee was tasked with investigating and recommending not only a preferred location for a replacement passenger terminal west of the Harbour Bridge, but investigating options for a further passenger terminal east of the bridge," Mr McLeay told Lloyds List DCN.

"The committee commissioned technical advisers to analyse alternative locations west of the Harbour Bridge, and White Bay 5 was selected as the preferred option, with White Bay 4 as the third berth on those occasions when other terminals are occupied."

"The White Bay Cruise Passenger Terminal will utilise existing deep water quayside infrastructure and gives the ability to manoeuvre and berth two cruise vessels end-on-end."

According to Mr Woodcock however, consultation with industry revealed that there was "considerable" support for a permanent passenger terminal at Barangaroo.

"It has a rich maritime heritage," Mr Woodcock said.

When asked if the government had even considered building the terminal at Barangaroo, Mr McLeay said: "Prior to the committees deliberations, the minister for planning announced in December 2008 that the Wharf 8 passenger terminal would be permanently removed to facilitate the Barangaroo development."

"As such, Barangaroo was not one of the alternative sites analysed by the committees advisers."

The lodgment of the cruise passenger terminals development application and environmental assessment is scheduled to take place at the end of this month.