Townsville’s $193 million port upgrade is under way with the first rocks laid for a new protective wall, which will ultimately pave the way for up to six new berths.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Jackie Trad said the upgrade would provide a significant boost for jobs and the North 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 to come,” Ms Trad said.
“More than 70 port staff, rock supply and rock wall construction employees will be involved in the rock wall construction phase.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said the Port of Townsville was the gateway for projects as far away as Mount Isa.
“We’ve seen trade at the port increase by 4.7 per cent with 7.68 million tonnes of freight going through its gates, alongside 16 cruise ships bringing with them 20,000 visitors,” Mr Bailey said.
The new rock wall will take about 12 months to complete, extending approximately 550 metres seaward, with the northern side about 1.1 kilometres in length.
It will form a protective bund around a 62-hectare reclamation area that will kickstart the port’s seaward expansion, with construction occurring Monday to Saturday during daylight hours.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge said the upgrade would be the port’s largest expansion in its 156-year history.
“It means cruise and commercial vessels up to 300 metres in length will be able to safely access the Port of Townsville,” Mr Tudge said.
The Townsville channel upgrade is a joint project of the Queensland and Australian Governments, and the Port of Townsville Limited as part of the Townsville City Deal signed in December 2016.
