Recent maintenance works at Gladstone Ports Corporation’s (GPC) Bundaberg Port have created jobs and investment for the region, through the repurposing and recycling of materials used.
Almost 100 per cent of materials from maintenance works at the port have been recycled, making way for future trade opportunities in the region.
In the past six months, the maintenance works have supported approximately 40 local jobs and invested more than a million dollars into the region.
The most recent maintenance work included giving an old wharf a new-lease on life with all concrete, steel and timber recycled and distributed to local and national businesses to be reused.
The timber from the old wharf has been given a second life in Melbourne where it will be repurposed while the concrete has been crushed down to be reused in Bundaberg on construction projects.
Earlier this year, GPC also demolished a decommissioned fuel tank terminal with Queensland-based demolition specialists, DEMEX, recycling seven demolished tanks to make way for a new bulk handling facility.
Port of Bundaberg Manager, Jason Pascoe, said there have been more than half-a-dozen maintenance projects taking place at the Port of Bundaberg over the past six months.
“These projects include road works to refurbish the Burnett Heads boat ramp carpark, demolition works to remove the redundant fuel terminal tanks and old timber wharf dolphins and wharf pile and workshop maintenance,” Mr Pascoe said.
Mr Pascoe said the major works translated into growth for the region.
“Over the past 12 years, GPC’s Port of Bundaberg has transformed with new roads and new businesses including the new plasterboard manufacturing plant, new bulk storage for wood pellet exports, the expansion of Pacific Tug’s operations and the Lady Musgrave Experience to name just a few,” Mr Pascoe said.
“Our major maintenance works are not only supporting a strong multi-commodity trade base but more importantly it has a flow on effect for jobs and growth in our region.
“The Port of Bundaberg is core to GPC’s strategic advantage.”
Mr Pascoe said the projects were underpinned by GPC’s environmental values and are leading the way in environmental and social sustainability.
“The best part about the maintenance works is that the old materials will be recycled and used again,” Mr Pascoe said.
“Everything from the old timber wharves to the steel which will be melted down and made into new steel.
“The fact that almost 100 per cent of the materials from our maintenance projects will be recycled makes our team really proud and it aligns with our sustainable growth approach.”
The GPC’s Bundaberg maintenance works are expected to continue next year along with the port’s capital works program including the development of the new common user conveyor and bulk storage facilities and Pacific Marine Base Bundaberg’s stage one barge operation facilities.
