Work will start on the Pacific Marine Base at the Port of Bundaberg in coming weeks, delivering a state-of-the-art facility.
Pacific Tug Group, an Australian-owned provider of specialised maritime services, is behind the development of the new marine base.
It’s expected to provide a number of services including transhipment, sea and harbour towage, land base logistics, lines handling, technical services as well as project support.
The project will include a focus on a cargo barge facility suitable for intrastate and Pacific Island trade, with future expansion on the cards to support the growing renewables trade.
Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Tug Group Chris Peters said the new Pacific Marine Base would be state-of-the-art.
“We’ve been working on the project for five years, including working closely with GPC and we are excited that our state-of-the-art facility is set to commence construction,” Mr Peters said.
Bundaberg Regional Council has been a strong advocate for the project since its inception and was able to source a Federal Government grant worth $6 million.
At the time of receiving State Government development approval for the Bundaberg-based facility, Mr Peters acknowledged Council for the role it had played in bringing the project to fruition.
“We would like to make special thanks to Bundaberg Regional Council for all their help and support,” Mr Peters said at the time.
“This development opens another door for Bundaberg and the region.”
Mayor Jack Dempsey said Council had recognised the potential benefit Pacific Tug could offer to the region.
“It’s heartening to see this project finally moving forward,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“The Pacific Marine Base represents a significant investment in, and step forward for, the Port of Bundaberg and I look forward to seeing work underway onsite soon.
“The project will create jobs and we also hope it will act as a catalyst for further development of our underutilised port area.
“The Pacific Marine Base will be looking to leverage a range of industries including renewable energy and the defence force which perfectly dovetails with Council’s advocacy priorities.”
Mayor Dempsey said with Pacific Tug Group CEO Chris Peters originally hailing from a neighbouring region, it was great to see a local family helping to move the wider region forward with such a significant development.
“I’d also like to thank the Council staff who have worked tirelessly on this collaboration and have kept Pacific Tug encouraged and supported throughout this lengthy process.”
Port of Bundaberg Manager Jason Pascoe said the project was not just a win for Pacific Tug and GPC but for the entire region.
“The Pacific Marine Base spearheaded by Pacific Tug is a really exciting prospect in terms of both jobs and port capability,” Mr Pascoe said.
“At GPC we are preparing for the next 50 years and integral planning is central to our strategy to future proof Bundaberg and Queensland,” he said.
why do people always talk about jobs when the most likely people to get jobs are ones from the cities not locals.