Port of Mackay extends trade diversity
11 Dec 2020
The Port of Mackay is buzzing with hi-vis activity in the run-up to Christmas, with up to 100 jobs being supported across three infrastructure projects currently underway.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said it was part of the state’s economic recovery plan, with the latest infrastructure project to kick off being the extension of Wharf 1.
Mrs Gilbert said Queensland-based company Davbridge Constructions would deliver the $2.4 million project, which will improve the Port’s capability to accept longer breakbulk material.
“The Wharf 1 project will help to build on the 195 shipping movements and 3.17 million throughput tonnes witnessed last financial year, despite COVID-19,” Mrs Gilbert said.
“Getting Queensland businesses to deliver upgrades for Queensland ports is vital to our state’s economic recovery, and will add to major road projects like the Walkerston Bypass and $120 million Mackay Northern Access Upgrade.”
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Fertin said the 120m2 extension of the Wharf 1 access bridge at the Port of Mackay will improve infrastructure capability to handle extra-long (up to 95m) cargoes.
“This will position the Port of Mackay to be able to take advantage of new, diversified trade opportunities such as rail, or renewables projects,” he said.
Davbridge Constructions Project Manager Alex Graff said the company has hit the ground running.
“We’re excited to play our part in the Port of Mackay’s growth,” Mr Graff said.
“This project will allow us to showcase Davbridge’s marine construction expertise and support the local economy.
“Throughout the six-month project we will support over 30 local jobs from around 15 local businesses.”
The project comes as upgrades on Wharf 4 reach the final stages with the installation of the 60-tonne steel access bridge by contractor V2R Projects.
Also progressing is the $1.5 million stabilisation of the western revetment with Queensland-based contractors MGN Civil arriving on site earlier this month.
Maintenance dredging at the port will begin later this month.
At the Port of Hay Point, local contractors Fergus Builders have started refurbishments to the Hay Point Administration building.
The projects are part of NQBP’s extensive 2020-21 works program for Mackay and Hay Point, worth more than $17 million.
The significant investment is in line with NQBP’s strategic vision to become a global leader in sustainable facilitation of port trade.
These works build on NQBP’s success and position the Port to continue to support jobs and regional growth.
The publicly owned multi-cargo import and export Port of Mackay is firmly established as a central hub for the movement of diverse cargo essential for central Queensland agricultural and mining industries.
NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation also responsible for the strategic ports of Abbot Point, Hay Point and Weipa in far north Queensland.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Contact
Emilie Power | Community Relations Advisor
07 4969 0773 | epower@nqbp.com.au
Images and vision for download
Images
- Image One: Davbridge Constructions' Construction Manager Jim Downes and Project Manager Alex Graff with NQBP’s Senior Project Engineer Anoop Pillai and Hossein Saadai, Engineering and Planning Manager at Wharf one.
- Image two: The extension to Wharf One will improve infrastructure capability to handle extra-long (up to 95m) cargoes.
- Image three: The new 60-tonne bridge deck at Wharf Four being lowered in to place.
