Wharf One ready for new business at Port of Mackay
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has increased its capacity to facilitate longer cargo at the Port of Mackay with its $2.4 million project to extend Wharf 1 now complete.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said investing in projects to build capacity at publicly-owned ports like Mackay’s was part of the Queensland’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
“Quite simply, building a bigger wharf means Mackay can attract different cargo,” Mrs Gilbert said.
“The work that has been delivered since late last year has also support 30 jobs and benefitted business in our region.
“I congratulate the contactor Davbridge Constructions for delivering these upgrades and I’m pleased to see a Queensland business involved in delivering upgrades for our port.”
NQBP Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Fertin said the completion of the project is another step towards positioning the Port to take advantage of diversified trade opportunities.
“The extension of the Wharf 1 access bridge by 120 m2 means we now have the capability to handle extra-long (up to ~95m) cargoes,” Mr Fertin said.
“This positions the Port of Mackay to be able to take advantage of new and varied trade opportunities such as rail, pipelines or renewables projects.”
Principal Contractor Davbridge Constructions Project Manager Adam Preston said delivery of the quality project will act as a gateway for trade diversification.
“The wharf extension project highlights Davbridge Constructions expertise in Marine construction, while using experienced and dedicated local contractors and suppliers,” Mr Preston said.
“We were proud to support 30 local jobs from around 15 local businesses in a boost for the region’s economy during the project.”
With yet another project completed from NQBP’s $17 million 2020-21 works program for the Ports of Mackay and Hay Point, work on the $8.5 million tug berth facility continues to progress.
The facility will include berths for up to two tugs including a gangway and floating pontoon, and will be able to accommodate bigger and more powerful tugs.
North Queensland-based Pacific Marine Group (PMG) Pty Ltd have been working on site at the Port of Mackay since February this year.
Project Manager George Holland said the team had already completed a significant proportion of the off site pontoon and gangway fabrication, as well as refurbishments to the Northern breakwater.
“Our team are now focusing on completing electrical and civil works,” Mr Holland said.
“We are using a number of Mackay and Townsville based subcontractors, and we thank NQBP for giving a local company the opportunity to complete this project.
“PMG are proud to be fabricating all the steelwork right here in Queensland.”
The significant investment is in line with NQBP’s strategic vision to become a global leader in sustainable facilitation of port trade.
The Port of Mackay is well established as a central hub 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.
For more information on all NQBP’s projects visit our Projects
Images for download
Image | Construction of the tug berth floating pontoon is underway
Image | NQBPs Anoop Pilali oversees the pontoon construction process
Image | Rock placement at the new tug berth facility location
Image | Wharf 1 extension Port of Mackay A
Image | Wharf One extension Port of Mackay B
ENDS
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation contact:
Emilie Power | Community Relations Advisor
0427 050 666 | epower@nqbp.com.au
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