A local company will work closely with key contractors to build the multi-million-dollar Common User Infrastructure at the Port of Bundaberg.
This week it was announced Loftus Contracting and nationally recognised construction and engineering firm e2o, a wholly owned subsidiary of Clough, have secured the construction contracts for the project, which will deliver a new bulk goods conveyor facility at the port.
It will provide competitive and efficient loading facilities for a wide range of bulk minerals and agricultural products.
Gladstone-based Loftus Contracting has been engaged to conduct the civil works, which have already commenced.
e2o will complete the construction of the new conveyor infrastructure including modifications to the existing ship loading facilities and the structural, mechanical and electrical works.
Local fabrication company, BME Australia, will work closely with e2o on the fabrication of the main structural components, all of which will be fabricated in Bundaberg.
Once complete, the Common User Infrastructure will provide an opportunity to increase exports of bulk commodities including minerals, timber products (wood pellets and woodchip) and agricultural products.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said plenty of benefits would arise from the project.
“This is an important project not just for the Hinkler, but for Queensland, as it will ensure this vital port can expand its export capabilities and is ready for the future,” she said.
“Constructing this new conveyor facility will unlock opportunities for local producers to compete in world markets, supporting businesses and the regional economy into the future.”
The Australian Government has committed up to $17.7 million in funding for the project, with additional funding committed by Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) and Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC), provided on behalf of the Queensland Government.
Gladstone Ports Corporation CEO Craig Haymes said the project was great news for the people of Bundaberg and its surrounds.
“The project is in conjunction with GPC’s strategic planning work to promote the Port of Bundaberg and surrounding State Development Area,” he said.
“It’s fantastic not just for the Port of Bundaberg but for the entire region to be expanding export capabilities.
“We’re excited to see the tenders awarded and construction starting in the coming months on the Sir Thomas Hiley Wharf new conveyor belts and towers.”
Sugar Terminals Limited CEO David Quinn said Bundaberg businesses would play a big part in the construction phase.
“STL is excited by the opportunities the Common User Infrastructure will enable by providing a competitive and efficient ship loading operation through the Port of Bundaberg and to support the broader region,” he said
“The announcement follows a competitive tendering process during which we were careful to ensure local businesses in Bundaberg and surrounding regions were able to play a strong role in the supply of materials and services.
“STL looks forward to working with our construction partners to ensure the successful completion of the Common User Infrastructure and that from early 2023, exporters will be able to access this critical infrastructure to enable them to efficiently load their products for international markets.”
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith added the Common User Infrastructure plans meant good things for the region going forward.
“Today’s announcement sparks a bigger, better future for Bundaberg’s port and for good jobs here in the Wide Bay,” he said.
“I’m proud to be part of a Government that continues to deliver for all of Queensland, especially in the regions.”
The project is part of the Hinkler Regional Deal, and is expected to be commissioned by April 2023.
More information on the Hinkler Regional Deal is available here.
