The Port Expansion Project (PEP) continues to tantalise decision makers in and around Townsville, so it is no surprise it ranks highly for Townsville advocates, as the federal election looms.
The $1.6 billion PEP is a long-term development plan for the port and rates highly as the region’s favoured nation-building project, according to Townsville Enterprise.
While Stage One of the Port Expansion Project nears completion – sights are now set on Stage Two involving the Outer Harbour Development.
Townsville Enterprise have earmarked Stage Two as a must-have in their 2025 Federal Election Unlock the North Priorities document outlining critical infrastructure requirements for the region.
Townsville Enterprise, the peak economic development and destination management organisation for Townsville North Queensland, developed the priority list in collaboration with regional councils.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said the Townsville Port Expansion Project is essential to the prosperity of this region.
“Townsville North Queensland contributes more than $22 billion to Queensland’s economy annually. It’s only fair that this wealth is reinvested into our region to fuel sustained growth and opportunity,” Ms Brumme-Smith said.
“This $240 million investment will deliver two additional common-user berths and upgraded infrastructure to meet the increasing demand in the mining, agricultural, and renewable energy sectors and cement North Queensland’s position as a global trade hub.
“By investing in projects like this, we can drive economic growth, improve the quality of life for our communities, and showcase our region’s capability and ambition to lead in the industries the world needs.”
Unlock the North priorities at a glance:
- Made in North Queensland – Unlocking sovereign manufacturing, production, future fuels, energy security and critical supply chains
- Port expansion project
- Townsville eastern access rail corridor
- Queensland’s transmission network
- Green energy and fuel incentives
- Flinders Highway upgrades
- Bruce Highway upgrades
- Defence: Supporting Northern Australia’s forward mounting base
Port Expansion Project – the details
Stage one of the Port Expansion Project was the $251 million Channel Upgrade project which delivered a wider shipping channel and a 62 hectare port reclamation area.
Stage Two – Outer Harbour Development
Rapid momentum in existing and new industries in the North Queensland region is accelerating the need to mobilise Stage 2.
Townsville Enterprise’s 2025 Federal Election Unlock the North Priorities document calls for $450 million in Federal Government investment to fund the Outer Harbour Development.
The Project, which will cost some $690m, involves:
- Construction of two common-user berths
- Construction of seawalls to create a 90ha reclamation area to receive capital dredge material wharves and associated backing land
- Dredging of berth pocks and approaches
- Construction of trunk infrastructure, services and utilities.
Once funded, the Outer Harbour Development can be delivered from 2025 to 2030.
According to Townsville Enterprise, the Port of Townsville is investigating future port capacity requirements with a number of proponents that anticipate a need for onsite Port infrastructure in the coming years.
The benefits:
- Capacity for trades and industries including renewable energy project cargo imports, renewable energy exports (biofuels), critical minerals and advanced manufacturing exports.
- Increases transport and supply chain capabilities in the region to unlock critical mineral deposits worth an estimated $500 billion.
- Enables the $36 billion pipeline of Commonwealth, State and private investments in the region to proceed.
- Alleviates constraints on common user berths.
- Provides flexibility to rapidly support the Navy’s force projection ambitions in North Queensland.
