Tenders are now open to local businesses to take part in a new $10 million Common User Infrastructure project at the Port of Bundaberg.
A new bulk goods conveyor facility at the port will improve loading facilities for a wide range of goods.
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Nola Marino, said once complete, the Common User Infrastructure will provide an opportunity for the Hinkler region and surrounding area to increase exports of bulk commodities including minerals, timber products (wood pellets and woodchip) and agricultural produce.
“This $10 million investment from the Australian Government under the Hinkler Regional Deal will deliver new capability at the Port of Bundaberg,” Ms Marino said.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said the project highlighted the importance of protecting public infrastructure and getting it ready for the future.
“This project shows just how important it is to keep ports as public infrastructure, because we can make sure it will support local businesses and workers,” Mr Bailey said.
“The port will soon be expanding to allow the arrival of wind turbines for the Forest Wind project between Maryborough and Gympie, which will help create even more long-term sustainable jobs.”
Federal Member for Hinkler, Keith Pitt, said once completed, the new conveyor will open up the Port of Bundaberg to a wider range of vessels with improved loading and unloading times.
“The Port of Bundaberg has been underutilised for many years and this new infrastructure will be the boost needed to attract more businesses to the region,” Mr Pitt said.
“The sooner construction gets underway the better, as we need as many opportunities for more local jobs here as possible, and I hope to see as much construction work as possible going to local firms.”
Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) and Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2019 to expand on existing cargo handling capabilities and have been working to deliver the new enabling infrastructure.
GPC and STL are providing additional financial contributions to assist in progressing the project.
Port of Bundaberg Manager, Jason Pascoe, said GPC and STL were now on the hunt for bids from local businesses before tenders close on 21 January 2022.
“The plans are now complete and we’re looking to engage local businesses to participate in formal tender processes for the supply, fabrication, installation and commissioning of a new common user system at the Port of Bundaberg,” Mr Pascoe said.
GPC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Paul Heagney, said the detailed plans signalled a major milestone for the project.
“We’ve been working around-the-clock with STL on this project and to now go to market with a detailed design is a great achievement,” Mr Heagney said.
“The project is in conjunction with our strategic planning work to promote the Port of Bundaberg and surrounding state development area and we’re excited to see the project stimulate industry growth for the region.”
For more information on the tender opportunity, visit https://qtenders.hpw.qld.gov.au/qtenders/ and search CUI.
More information on the Hinkler Regional Deal is available at https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regions/regional-deals/hinkler.
