The Queensland Government is investing $4 million to upgrade the Port of Bundaberg’s road infrastructure.
Minister for Ports, Mark Bailey, said the road upgrades would facilitate the safe and efficient movement of more goods and people within the port precinct.
“The Port of Bundaberg is entering a new era with the $70 million Knauf project anticipating their first shipment of gypsum early next month, adding to Sunstate Sand’s silica sand export business and the Altus Renewables wood pellet export business which have all been developing overseas markets in the last couple of years,” Mr Bailey said.
“Improving the Port’s road infrastructure will also enable currently vacant port land to be developed, creating new business activity.”
Member for Bundaberg Leanne Donaldson, said the $4 million road upgrade would include upgrades to Newman St, Buss St and Wharf Dr, as well as stormwater drainage.
“The announcement made earlier this year to establish a new State Development Area around the Port of Bundaberg has generated additional interest,” Ms Donaldson said.
“This announcement will further support the Port of Bundaberg’s growth with road infrastructure upgrades necessary to support increased product through the Port precinct.
“We expect an increase in minerals and bulk commodity trade through the port, including sugar, silica sands and wood pellets, as well as new industries wanting to be near existing operators like Knauf’s plasterboard manufacturing facility.”
Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) CEO, Peter O’Sullivan welcomed the announcement for Bundaberg and said that the road upgrade would support the hard work that is being done growing the Bundaberg port.
“Since acquiring the asset in 2009 and investing $38 million in the port, GPC has seen throughput almost double to over 500,000 tonnes annually,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“GPC is continually working with the government, industry and the community to explore development opportunities within the Port of Bundaberg. This announcement will ensure that we can continue to develop Bundaberg port into a significant port centre for Queensland.”
