A much needed upgrade to the Port of Townsville is now underway as the first rocks are laid for the new 2.2-kilometre protective rock wall, which will pave the way for the delivery of up to six new berths at the port.
This $193 million upgrade is the Port’s largest expansion to date.
“It means cruise and commercial vessels up to 300 metres in length will be able to safely access the Port of Townsville.
“It’s a massive change that will generate jobs and boost the local community,” Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said.
The vital upgrade will allow bigger cruise and commercial vessels to safely access the port, bringing a significant boost in jobs as well as to the Northern Queensland economy.
“This is the biggest change to the port in almost 30 years and is one that will support jobs in Townsville for decades.
“More than 70 port staff, rock supply and rock wall construction employees will be involved in the rock wall construction phase, joining more than 3,200 Townsville jobs created by the Queensland Government as part of its $930.7 million budget for the region,” Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said.
The Port of Townsville is considered a “gateway for projects” for regions such as Mount Isa and this upgrade will ensure that the entire economy in North Queensland can benefit.
“We’ve seen trade at the port increase 4.7 per cent with 7.68 million tonnes of freight going through its gates, alongside 16 cruise ships visited the city bringing with them 20,000 visitors.
“It’s why the Queensland Government is investing in a $193 million upgrade of the port channel, $40 million Berth 4 upgrade and $48 million intermodal facility,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.
These works are part of the first stage of the $1.6 billion Port Expansion Project (PEP), which is a long-term development plan for the Port of Townsville.
The Australian Government has also invested approximately $75 million towards the port upgrade.
“The sooner the rock wall is built, the sooner we can dredge the channel, and start seeing more and bigger ships using our Port.
“That will only mean more freight coming in and out, and ultimately more money being injected into Townsville’s economy,” Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said.
The Port of Townsville is a vital regional hub that is not only significant for Australia’s defence capabilities, but is also a driver of economic growth and jobs creation.
“It’s great to see the contractor recruiting locally to help lay at least 600,000 tonnes of rock.
“When the port is strong, our city is strong.
“Holcim has put on more workers to meet the contract from its Roseneath quarry, while HY-TEC also has a contract to supply rock from its quarry at Calcium,” State Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said.
Hall Contracting will be building the new rock wall and it is expected to take up to 12 months to complete construction. The new rock wall will be extending about 550 metres seaward and its northern side will be approximately 1,100 metres in length.
The rock wall be be forming a protective bund around a 62-hectare reclamation area that will kickstart the seaward expansion of the Port.
“We are immensely proud of more than 70 Port staff, contractors and specialist advisors that have made this happen. This rock wall construction is the major change to the Port’s physical footprint in almost three decades,” Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby said.
The Townsville Channel Upgrade is being delivered by the Queensland and Australian Governments together with the Port of Townsville Limited. This development is also part of the Townsville City Deal that was signed in December 2016.
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Source: Queensland Government; Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; Port of Townsville (1, 2); Inside Construction; Industry Queensland