Port of Mackay’s $17m shot in the arm for local jobs

7 Sep 2020
Capital works

The Port of Mackay is set to benefit from more than $17 million in infrastructure projects over the next 12 months, in a boost for the local economy.

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Fertin said the projects will strengthen Mackay port’s capabilities to handle diversified trade.

“The State Government, through NQBP, has approved a $17 million package of infrastructure works that will boost the regional economy and increase opportunities for attracting trade to the region,” Mr Fertin said.

“The projects include construction of a new tug berth facility; upgrades to Wharves 1 and 4; seawall repairs; and essential maintenance dredging.

“Additionally, we will be investing in upgrading the Hay Point administration building that houses Vessel Traffic Services.

“The creation of a tug berth facility inside the port and the wharf works will boost the efficiency of the port for current trade and position the port to continue to grow – whether for new, breakbulk trade or existing commodities such as fuel, sugar and grain,” Mr Fertin said.

Mr Fertin said Mackay’s multi-commodity port continues to build momentum in growing and diversifying its trade, with the volumes in the past financial year the second-best on record.

“These works will further strengthen the Port’s role as a key part of the Mackay economy and as a gateway to the central Queensland region,” Mr Fertin said.

“The tenders will be advertised on Q-Tenders and we will be looking to utilise the great local contractors and suppliers that we have in the Mackay region as much as possible.”

New tug berth facility

  • Construction of a new purpose-built, tug facility inside the port for its critical towage operation.
  • The facility will cater for the current fleet requirements and support future expansion.

Wharf 1 upgrade

  • This investment will improve infrastructure capability to handle extra-long (85m to 95m) cargoes to attract new trade opportunities and diversify.
  • The construction works will involve extension of Wharf 1 access bridge to enable trade of longer breakbulk material, for example rail projects.

Hay Point Administration Building Refurbishment / Upgrade

  • Essential refurbishment and upgrade of the interior fit outs and utilities of the building.
  • The refurbishment and upgrade works will extend the usable life and cater for continued operation and usage of the building.

Mackay maintenance dredging

  • Essential maintenance dredging is planned for up to 14 days at the Port of Mackay in early December 2020.
  • Maintenance dredging ensures efficient, navigable shipping depths for port users.

Wharf 4 eastern access deck upgrade

  • Upgrade the Wharf 4 Eastern access deck to a custom steel deck increasing its width and capacity to accommodate over mass RoRo cargoes.
  • This investment will improve NQBP’s RoRo trade capabilities and create opportunities for trade diversification by enabling heavier and wider cargoes through the port.

Western Revetment

  • Stabilisation works on a deteriorated sheet pile wall within the port area to improve safety.
  • The sheet piling were remnants from an old temporary dry dock built for the construction of the Hay Point Jetty in 1973.
  • The works will involve placement of 15,000 tonnes of rock material sourced from local quarries to form a new revetment structure.

Mr Fertin said the planned works build on a range of recent improvements including the construction of laydown areas; installation of accredited quarantine facilities; the building of a new access road (Gudyara Road) and; the creation of dedicated RoRo facilities.

“The Port of Mackay is a place of work for about 360 people each day and is also critical to around 1,800 Queensland jobs in mining, agriculture and logistics and facilitates $1.6B of trade worldwide,” Mr Fertin said.

“Our ports, like the whole region, have been working hard to deal with the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, and we will continue to work with our customers to progress trade opportunities for 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 Corporation contact:
Emilie Power | Community Relations Advisor
(07) 4969 0773 | epower@nqbp.com.au

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