$2.5bn QLD Cairncross Dockyard Project declared a prescribed project

The Queensland Government has declared the $2.5 billion Cairncross Dockyard Brisbane Project a ‘prescribed project’, ensuring streamlined approvals to fast-track the delivery of this nationally significant initiative. 

This project will revitalise the site and transform it into a world-class ship sustainment hub that will provide critical infrastructure and significant economic, industrial, and workforce benefits to the State. 

“The prescribed project declaration is a vital step in ensuring this project progresses efficiently. 

“The role of the Office of the Coordinator General is to facilitate timely approvals without compromising environmental or social considerations, and we will work closely with the proponent and other stakeholders to deliver this significant infrastructure for Queensland,” QLD Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said. 

Project delivery will be led by Cairncross Dockyard Brisbane Pty Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of Texas Tea Queensland. 

The multi-billion-dollar development will include the construction of a large-scale graving dock, a 6,000-tonne hydraulic chain jack vertical ship lift, a 1,200-tonne crawler crane, new and expanded wharves, and critical power and water infrastructure. 

“Our project will create significant opportunities for local businesses and workers, while also advancing workforce development through partnerships with TAFE Queensland and academic institutions. 

“The Cairncross Dockyard Brisbane Project has already attracted attention from key stakeholders, both domestically and internationally, including from Australia, the United States, Japan, and South Korea, further highlighting its potential as a strategic maritime hub,” Cairncross Dockyard Brisbane Pty Ltd Managing Director Ben Quin said. 

The project is expected to create more than 1,000 direct jobs directly through the shipyard along with thousands more indirectly through several industries. 

Once completed, the facility will be equipped to perform on-water and out-of-water vessel maintenance to ensure vessels are ready to meet operational challenges. 

“Under the Crisafulli Government, Queensland is leading the charge in advanced manufacturing, and this project will help position our State as the national leader in defence and maritime manufacturing. 

“If approved, this project will deliver high-skilled jobs, grow local supply chains and support long-term careers for Queenslanders in the industries critical to our state’s future. 

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to securing investment that boosts our state’s capabilities, because we back local workers and we’re sending a clear message that Queensland is open for business,” Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said. 

Cairncross Dockyard is located on the Brisbane River at Morningside and it has been an essential part of Queensland’s maritime industry since its establishment in 1942 to support naval operations during World War II. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start while also ensuring the State is open for business to help deliver a better lifestyle through a stronger economy. 

“The Cairncross Dockyard project is a critical investment in Queensland’s future and part of the Crisafulli Government’s plan to accelerate development in Queensland’s defence industry and restore momentum after a decade of decline under Labor. 

“This is exactly the kind of decisive action required to put Queensland on the front foot and a clear departure from the former Labor Government, which delayed projects, held back jobs and stifled economic growth. 

“This state-of-the-art project will strengthen Queensland’s role in advanced manufacturing and maritime sustainment, supporting industries that are vital to our economic and strategic future. 

“The project positions Queensland to better meet the needs of the Australian Defence Force, allied partners, and commercial operators, sending a clear message that our State is open for business and ready to deliver for the defence industry and national security. 

With a $2.5 billion investment, the Cairncross redevelopment could create more than 1,000 direct shipyard jobs and thousands more across the advanced manufacturing, steel fabrication and logistics industries. 

“We’re also partnering with TAFE Queensland and leading universities to build a highly skilled workforce, ensuring Queenslanders are trained for the high-tech, high-demand defence and industrial jobs of the future,” Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Cairncross Dockyard