Port of Mackay's Wharf Five ready for strong future

The Port’s Wharf Five now boasts a new $4 million western approach deck, positioning the Port to continue to take advantage of future trade opportunities.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey celebrated the project’s completion.

“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to support Queensland’s strong trade industry, and delivering better infrastructure is just one way of doing that,” Minister Bailey said.

“Not only has this $4 million project seen a new deck delivered, we’ve supported good local jobs and supply chains throughout construction.

“Having infrastructure of this calibre at our state-owned ports means we can expand into new industries and capitalise on the investment made in renewables throughout the region.

“Because we kept assets like our Ports in public hands, it’s the people of Queensland who benefit from this project.

“Great work by those involved in delivering this upgrade.”

NQBP Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Fertin said the works were part of a number of infrastructure upgrades at the Port.

“Over the past 18 months we’ve invested $1.8 million to expand cargo capacity at Wharf Four, $2.5 million to extend Wharf One and recently completed our new $8.5 million tug berth facility, all aimed at supporting growth and diversified trade,” Mr Fertin said.

“The Port of Mackay is an essential gateway linking Central Queensland to the world, servicing mining and agricultural industries and supporting 2,100 trade jobs with goods to the value of around $4.9 billion passing through the port.

“We are dedicated to supporting our local economy and workforce and are pleased we were able to achieve this during the Wharf Five project with our principal contractors V2R Projects.

“A total of 62 people, based either in Mackay or Queensland worked over 7,000 hours on the project to get the job done.

“We were pleased to showcase this important work to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk as part of the project announcement held earlier this year.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said opportunities in Mackay were booming.

“You only need to take a drive around our growing region to see the investment being made in our region,” Ms Gilbert said.

“From new bypasses, a better Bruce Highway, and upgrades to our Port – the Palaszczuk Government continues to put money into creating jobs in regional Queensland.

“I was here alongside the Premier just a few months ago and the amount of work that has been completed since is incredible.

“It’s a true testament to the hard work of local contractors and suppliers who have made this investment a possibility.”

V2R Projects Director Paul Chambers said the company has valued working with NQBP on the project which has resulted in an important piece of infrastructure for the region.

“We have been proud to work with a number of local and regional based subcontractors and suppliers for the delivery of this project,” Mr Chambers said.

“Our site based team are all local Mackay residents and all took pride in the delivery of infrastructure that will support their local community and economy. The project also was delivered with zero harm to anyone on the project,” he said.

Wharf Five facilitates the import and export of fuel, dry bulk (grain, magnetite and fertiliser) as well as break bulk (scrap metal).

NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation responsible for the ports of Mackay, Abbot Point, Hay Point, and Weipa in far north Queensland.

Image for download

Aerial view of the Port of Mackay's newly refurbished Wharf Five.

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation contact:

Emilie Power | Community and Stakeholder Advisor

07 4969 0773 | epower@nqbp.com.au