Development at the Port of Bundaberg has been given a significant tug in the right direction with the approval of the Pacific Marine Base Bundaberg.
After spending years in the pipeline, the State Government has officially announced the multi-million dollar Pacific Tugs project has been granted a development approval for a marine industry at the port.
Expected to be under way in January 2020, the project could bring millions of dollars into the local economy each year, employing hundreds of people during construction and almost 100 people once fully developed.
Pacific Tug Group CEO Chris Peters acknowledged Council for the role it had played in bringing the project to fruition, including sourcing a Federal Government grant worth $6 million.
“We would like to make special thanks to Bundaberg Regional Council for all their help and support,” Mr Peters said.
“Our commitment to this investment has been rewarded with receiving approvals for tenure requirements coupled with DA approval.
“This allows us to focus on delivery of Stage One of the Marine Industry site, providing access from the site to the river and to the Queensland coast.
“This development opens another door for Bundaberg and the region.
“Pacific Tugs remain enthusiastic about Bundaberg and committed to Pacific Marine Base Bundaberg.”
The development of the new Pacific Tugs base will see upgrades to facilities at the Port of Bundaberg.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey welcomed the state’s approval of the Pacific Tugs development application.
“Council has been advocating since January for the state to complete its development assessment in a timely fashion,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing Pacific Tugs invest in Bundaberg and hope there are no further delays to this important project.”
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the deal would give Bundaberg a unique advantage when it came to competing in Queensland’s growing marine industries.
“The Port of Bundaberg faces a much lower risk of cyclone activity than ports further north, and secondly it is the most northerly port outside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,” Ms Trad said.
“That gives the Port of Bundaberg and Pacific Tugs a real advantage when it comes to attracting heavy commercial and naval contracts for repair and maintenance.”
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