Seymour Whyte Smithbridge Joint Venture awarded $104m Townsville Port Inner Harbour Expansion

Posted on 24/08/2011 09:39:00

The project involves the reconstruction and extension of the Port of Townsville’s existing Berth 10 to accommodate military, cruise, and commercial shipping and the construction of a multi-purpose passenger terminal building adjacent to RossCreek, as well as an upgrade to Berth 8.

Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan and Queensland Ports Minister Craig Wallace said the Cruise Terminal was a big vote of confidence in the Townsville economy and the Townsville community, and the design showed it would stand as an impressive entry to North Queensland.

“Careful consideration has gone into this project’s planning to ensure a striking, yet functional, terminal is produced to cater for the thousands of cruise passengers and naval personnel who visit Townsville each year,” Mr Wallace said.

“This facility will allow Townsville to accommodate the current and next generation of passenger and military vessels and position the city to take advantage of the growing cruise market now, and into the future.

”Mr Wallace said up to 400 jobs would be created during the project’s construction phase.

“This is great news for local tradespeople and suppliers who look to major economic growth centres like the port for business,” he said.

Construction, which has been jointly funded by the State and Federal governments, is due to begin in October and expected to be operational by mid-2013.

Port of Townsville Limited has provided funds for additional works to facilitate commercial ship operations while Townsville City Council has contributed $4.8 million to provide some connecting roads.