The Australian Port of Townsville’s Quayside Terminal is undergoing an Aus$5.9 mill upgrade ahead of a record-breaking cruise season.
This will see thousands of passengers and crew inject almost $10 mill into the local economy, the port authority claimed.
Contractor McMahon Services is delivering the package, which is providing employment opportunities for local workers and suppliers throughout the construction phase.
Port of Townsville CEO, Ranee Crosby said the Quayside works were necessary to cater for an influx of passengers that will visit Townsville in the 2024/25 cruise season, with larger cruise vessels being able to access the port for the first time.
“The Aus$251 mill Channel Upgrade project, which has widened the shipping channel from 90 m to 180 m at the inshore end is nearing completion, which will allow vessels up to 300 m long to access the port, instead of by-passing Townsville,” she said.
“These ships can carry upwards of 3,000 passengers, almost triple the number on any one ship that we’ve usually accommodated to date.
“To ensure a seamless experience from ship to shore, Quayside Terminal’s bus and taxi rank will be expanded and a dedicated kiss’n’ride drop of zone will be established,” she added.
McMahon Services is expanding the bus zone to accommodate 12 coaches, rejuvenate the taxi rank and passenger drop off areas and modify the Breezeway to include shade structures, seating and landscaping.
McMahon Services General Manager Queensland, Chris Bassa said the company’s business has been part of the local market in Townsville for the last 10 years and was committed to supporting the economic growth of the region.
Bassa also said that McMahon Services’ partnership with Intract Australia, an indigenous owned and operated business with 98% indigenous employment, would provide opportunities for First Nations peoples to work on the Quayside Terminal project.
“The project is directly supporting 11 full time equivalent positions, including staff from Intract Australia, with additional employment opportunities created with sub-contractors, of which we are using 100% local trades and suppliers.
“We are committed to delivering this project for the benefit of the local community, which we have been part of for 10 years, to ensure cruise operators continue to visit Townsville with the upgraded facility,” he said.
Works commenced in early July and will be completed ahead of the arrival of ‘Silver Muse’ on 3rd November, 2024, the first cruise ship in the 2024/25 season.
As part of the Port’s commitment to sustainability, Crosby said an additional Aus$3 mill has been injected into renewable energy projects at the terminal.
HE Solutions has recently installed 430 solar panels and 60 battery banks on the roof at the terminal, which are predicted to produce 279 MWh of electricity annually, which equates to 10% of the port’s annual electricity consumption.
