The New South Wales Opposition has slammed a move to allow unrestricted container movements from Sydney’s Port Botany terminal.

Treasurer Mike Baird says removing the current cap of 3.2 million container movements will make Port Botany a more attractive prospect for private sector companies bidding for a 99-year lease on the site.

“The decision has been taken to remove that cap, but it’s only being done on the basis of the significant mitigants we have put in to remove congestion in that precinct,” Mr Baird said.

But shadow treasurer Michael Daley, who is also the local MP for the area around the port, says it is an outrageous idea.

“The M5 East is already clogged with heavy vehicles and there is a cap on Port Botany. Imagine what it will be like with no cap at all into the future,” Mr Daley said.

Mr Baird says the Government will be adopting further measures to reduce congestion when Infrastructure NSW releases its report in September.