What’s happening?
A new project cargo facility has been completed at the Port of Townsville, giving the port more room to handle large and complex equipment.
The new area will be used for project cargo and temporary storage of equipment and components needed for major developments.
The upgrade comes as North Queensland sees rising demand from industries including critical minerals and advanced manufacturing.
The Queensland Government said the project will help the region prepare for more investment and job growth.
Why it matters?
Major projects need ports that can move oversized and heavy equipment safely and efficiently.
This new facility strengthens the Port of Townsville’s ability to support industries tied to critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.
It also helps reduce the need to send freight to other ports, which can cut transport time and costs.
The Government said the project will also ease pressure on the Bruce Highway by reducing heavy vehicle traffic and congestion.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the project was about making sure North Queensland is ready for the next stage of growth.
“North Queensland has enormous economic potential, but major projects rely on the right infrastructure being in place,” Minister Bates said.
“This is about making sure the region is ready to capture investment and support more jobs for North Queenslanders.
“This new cargo laydown area means the Port of Townsville can handle the large-scale equipment needed for projects in critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.”
Local Impact
The project adds to Townsville’s role as a key working port for the north and supports its place as a jobs hub for the region.
It was also delivered with a workforce that was 90 per cent local, keeping much of the work and spending in North Queensland.
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the expansion backed Townsville’s long-term economic role.
“The Port of Townsville serves as a gateway for North Queensland to the rest of the world,” Mr Baillie said.
“This expansion supports the industry, the projects, and the investment in North Queensland, further advancing our region and securing our economic future.”
By the numbers
- 14 hectares – The new Project Cargo Laydown Area adds a large amount of space for handling and storing oversized cargo at the port.
- 90 per cent local – Most of the workforce came from the local area, showing the project also delivered work for North Queensland people.
- Three major sectors – The facility is expected to support cargo needs tied to critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.
Zoom In
Port of Townsville General Manager of Operations, Projects and Safety David McLoughlin said the completed works would improve how cargo moves through the port.
“This is a critical piece of infrastructure for the Port of Townsville and the region as it will play a pivotal role in enhancing efficient and resilient supply chains,” Mr McLoughlin said.
“The extensive civil works, pavement construction and drainage upgrades will ensure the Port’s facilities can safely manage high volumes of heavy project cargo.
“This capability will enable the efficient import, storage and transportation of project cargo from ship to site.”
The project was delivered by principal contractor Mendi Constructions.
Zoom Out
The project fits into broader efforts to strengthen Queensland’s trade and freight network as more large-scale developments are planned across regional areas.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the upgrade would improve how freight moves across the state.
“After Labor failed to forward plan for how we do trade here in Queensland, this new cargo facility strengthens Queensland’s transport network by ensuring our ports can move the freight a growing economy depends on,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“Investments like this prove the Crisafulli Government is committed to building stronger supply chains, giving a fresh start to industry across North Queensland by making sure can move goods efficiently and reliably.
“By eliminating the need for long-haul transport to other ports we are unlocking savings in freight costs and time, while also reducing heavy vehicle traffic and congestion on the Bruce Highway, delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.”
What To Look For Next?
The next measure of this project’s value will be how quickly the new facility is used to support incoming major project cargo across North Queensland.
