Construction has begun on a new marine LNG operations terminal located on Gladstone Port Corporation land in Queensland, following investments from GLNG and QCLNG.
Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the combined $17 million investment was a positive opportunity for the Gladstone region and was expected to support more than 100 local jobs during construction.
“The new marine terminal will cater for daily passenger ferries and vessels transporting materials and equipment to Curtis Island, supporting both GLNG and QCLNG operations,” Mr Pitt said.
“This is another example of how the LNG industry, that represents more than $60 billion dollars’ worth of investment in Queensland, continues to sustain local jobs and investment.”
Queensland Minister for Ports Mark Bailey said local company Goldings was engaged on the project and undertaking civil works, with construction currently scheduled to be completed in May 2017.
“Civil works have started following the Palaszczuk Government agreement to the GPC request to lease strategic port land for the new marine terminal.
“This project is a result of great collaboration between the LNG operators, and our state-owned Port,” Mr Bailey said.
Queensland Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said it was the kind of stimulus and investment that the region needed.
“Our local economy is transitioning from the mining boom years and we need to look to the future,” Mr Butcher said.
“I know local tradies are looking for construction jobs right now and this delivers that opportunity as well as permanent employment in its ongoing operation.”
Gladstone Ports Corporation CEO Peter O’Sullivan said he was pleased the government-owned corporation had received approval to lease a parcel of strategic port land for the construction of a new LNG operations facility.
“The port land on which the facility will be constructed provides a good location in terms of proximity to Curtis Island, with adequate protection from tides and currents that may impact transit operations,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
