Townsville Port’s new 14-hectare cargo laydown facility will allow it to handle heavy equipment for the critical minerals, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing industries.
The state government says the port’s new cargo area means it can handle large project cargo such as 100-metre long wind turbine blades, and provide temporary storage.
Trade and Employment Minister Ros Bates says the project is about ensuring North Queensland is open for business.
“North Queensland has enormous economic potential but major projects rely on the right infrastructure being in place,” he says.
“This new cargo laydown area means the port can handle the large-scale equipment needed for projects in critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg claims the new facility is a significant boost to the port’s transport, freight and logistics capability.
“… this new cargo facility strengthens Queensland’s transport network by ensuring our ports can move the freight a growing economy depends on,” he says.
He says the project shows the government is keen on building stronger supply chains.
“By eliminating the need for long-haul transport to other ports, we are unlocking savings in freight costs and time while reducing heavy vehicle traffic on the Bruce Highway …”
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MP for Townsville Adam Baillie says the project backs the city’s status as a working port and a jobs hub for the north.
“This expansion supports the industry, projects and investment in North Queensland…”
Townsville Port general manager for operations, projects and safety David McLoughlin claims that the project’s completion is a significant milestone for the port, North and North West Queensland regions.
“This is a critical piece of infrastructure for the port and the region as it will play a pivotal role in enhancing efficient and resilient supply chains,” he says.
“The extensive civil works, pavement construction and drainage upgrades will ensure the Port’s facilities can safely manage high volumes of heavy project cargo.
“This capability will enable the efficient import, storage and transportation of project cargo from ship to site.”
Early this year, the port increased handling capacity at berths 3 and 4 with a $6.5 million upgrade that will allow larger vessels to access one of the port’s busiest berths.
The works allow the port’s ship-to-shore crane to operate along an extra 360 metres of berth and to serve 550m of quayline.
McLoughlin says that Berth 3 is one of our highest demand berths.
“With the ship-to-shore crane able to work across Berths 3 and 4, we can support future trade growth by handling greater volumes and turn ships around more efficiently.”
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