The Port of Bundaberg has increased export capabilities thanks to a new $21.9 million bulk goods conveyor which has already facilitated a 22,000-tonne shipment of silica sand.
The conveyor, which is transforming export opportunities in the entire Wide Bay-Burnett region, is a Hinkler Regional Deal project made possible with $17.7 million from the Australian Government, $3.2 million from Sugar Terminals Limited and additional funding from Gladstone Ports Corporation Ltd on behalf of the Queensland Government.
The conveyor is now set to provide competitive and efficient loading facilities for a wide range of bulk minerals and agricultural products – from sands and sugar to light grain and wood pellets.
Following rigorous testing over recent months, the new facilities – including the state-of-the-art 250 m conveyer, two transfer towers, and modifications to existing ship loading equipment – have already had its first shipment of product last week.
The 22,000-tonne shipment of silica sand – produced by local Bundaberg business, Sunstate Sands – is bound for South Korea, where it will be used in the manufacture of glass.
Delivered by Sugar Terminals Limited and e2o, the construction supported 335 jobs and stimulated the Bundaberg economy, with local procurement including structural fabrication, painting and fencing, and all trade labour.
Gladstone Ports Corporation CEO Craig Haymes said the strategically important project would expand the export capabilities of the port and unlock opportunities for regional producers to compete on a global scale.
“The new facilities have the potential to increase our existing throughput in the Port of Bundaberg by more than five times and accommodate new products,” Mr Haymes said.
“At GPC, we are dedicated to developing the port to operate at its full potential in a measured and sustainable manner to bring further growth and prosperity to the Wide Bay Burnett region.
“We are proud to be working closely with STL and e2o and we are excited to celebrate this milestone.”
Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn welcomed the delivery of the port’s new conveyor infrastructure which was funded through public and private investment.
“The Port of Bundaberg is strategically located on the Eastern coast of Australia and has significant untapped potential,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“It is fantastic to see this project delivered which we know will attract further investment across the Bundaberg and Wide Bay region.”
Federal Minister for Regional Development Kristy McBain said it was fantastic to see the modern and fit-for-purpose conveyor in action, helping to increase exports of bulk commodities from the Port of Bundaberg.
“For every business, time is money – which is why we invested over $17 million towards more efficient and multi-purpose loading facilities, which will mean a faster exit from the Port – which we know is under more demand than ever,” Ms McBain said.
“This will support businesses in the Wide Bay-Burnett region to expand their capabilities and services, driving economic growth and the creation of local employment opportunities – building on the 335 jobs supported during construction.”
State Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said the Port of Bundaberg provided exciting opportunities for industry and jobs growth across the region.
“The completion of this conveyor saw some 109 jobs for Bundy locals during the construction phase and will continue to ensure long-term employment for many years to come,” Mr Smith said.
“With a number of other infrastructure projects underway currently at the Port of Bundaberg, I know that our region’s economy is set to grow stronger and stronger as we work as a Government with our trading partners to establish further investment opportunities.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish the unveiling of the bulk goods conveyor represented a significant milestone for a fantastic project and it was “great to see local businesses and workers have played a big role in the project too”.
Sugar Terminals Limited CEO David Quinn said STL was proud to have led the construction and delivery of the conveyor adjacent to the Bundaberg Bulk Sugar Terminal.
The project team, which included Linear Engineering, Loftus Contracting, and e2o (a subsidiary of Clough) delivered the world-class facility.
