Townsville Port expansion: supporting the powerhouse of the North through City deal
13 September 2018
Federal Government: The
Morrison Government is investing in the future of
Townsville, funding an
expansion of the city's port that will create hundreds of
jobs and
increase trade opportunities for
North
Queensland.
Our $75 million investment will ensure the
Townsville Port remains
globally competitive and capable of hosting large cargo and passenger
ships.
Delivered over six years, the Townsville Port Expansion project will
create 120 full time jobs during construction, support 245 ongoing jobs
throughout
Queensland and provide more than $380 million in benefits
over the next 40 years.
We want Townsville to have a port capable of hosting larger cargo and
passenger ships, helping to build a stronger economy in North
Queensland.
This Port of Townsville Channel Capacity Upgrade project will provide
that opportunity and help secure the future for the Port.
The current size of the channel restricts access to the port, forcing
larger vessels to bypass Townsville, including cruise ships, limiting
North Queensland's critical role in the supply chain.
Cruise ships carrying more than 3,000 passengers will be able to access
the Port of Townsville—up from 1,500—boosting opportunities for tourism
and access to the Great Barrier Reef and outback.
More than doubling the size of container ships which can enter the Port
will allow for goods imported and exported and maximise the capacity of
existing infrastructure. This will mean reductions in the costs of
imported goods on the table in Townsville, and remove up to 8,230
B-Double trucks per year of the roads between
Brisbane and Townsville and reduce congestion on our
roads and improve safety.
This is yet another example the Coalition Government's commitment to
building a stronger Australia and creating more jobs.
By delivering a strong economy, we are able to invest in projects—like
the Townsville Port Expansion—that ensure our regional cities go from
strength to strength, and create more opportunities for their households
and businesses.
The Government is committed to its investment of $250 million through
Australia's first City Deal to develop and diversify the Townsville
economy. This is a major catalyst for industry and local jobs growth—a
key focus for the Government.
The funding committed through the City Deal to the development of the
Townsville Eastern Access
Rail Corridor will in-part be reallocated to support the Port
expansion.
The Government recognises the TEARC
business case found the project is
not viable at this time. It is important our investments maximise the
value for taxpayer dollars and deliver the best economic opportunities
for Townsville on the ground.
It is important the TEARC corridor is preserved for future opportunity
so it remains part of an integrated infrastructure plan for the region.
The Government will support work on corridor preservation, including
necessary environmental assessments, with up to $5 million in funding.
The remaining funding will remain in Townsville on other opportunities
which will deliver a long term strategy for growth, consistent with the
City Deal.
--ENDS--
Source: Australian Government - www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au
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