Marine industry site opens as the Port of Bundaberg transforms

A new marine industry site at the Port of Bundaberg has been opened, revitalising the port’s offering and cementing its position as a vital link to the local agricultural industry and wider Queensland economy.

The site was officially opened today by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm and Mayor of Bundaberg Regional Council Jack Dempsey. 

The Australian Government provided $5.7 million alongside $12.3 million from Pacific Marine Base Bundaberg towards the estimated $18 million project, developing unused shorefront into a multipurpose facility and laying the foundation for a dedicated marine industry site at the Port of Bundaberg.

This addition to the port’s capability includes a hard stand to support heavy industry activities, a roll-on/roll-off ramp and a dedicated commercial vessel wharf, all of which will assist in directly connecting local industry and commercial vessels to greenfield development land and local supply chains.

Today’s opening further supports the Port of Bundaberg’s Precinct Outlook, which aims to harness the unique opportunities offered to Queensland by the wave of new energy and emerging technology developing in the region.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer, Jim Chalmers:

“As a government, we want to help ensure that the people of Bundaberg are the big beneficiaries of the changes in our economy – that’s what this project is all about and it’s what our Employment White Paper is all about as well.

“By investing in this site, we’re setting the Fraser Coast up for the future – generating more jobs and more investment in this community with big opportunities in the burgeoning marine maintenance and supply sector.

“Bundaberg already makes a big contribution to the national economy but with targeted and responsible investments in important projects like this one, we’ll help to ensure that Bundaberg reaps the benefits from the more prosperous and productive economy we’re creating.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:

“The new marine industry site is excellent news for Bundaberg and the broader region, as it will ensure the town can continue on its path toward becoming destination of choice for investment and trade.

“The specialised marine infrastructure that this project brings to the port will bring about a significant economic injection to Bundaberg, creating further job-growth opportunities for the whole region.

“This facility will also extend existing services and make the Bundaberg Port a more attractive proposition for businesses wanting to capitalise on Queensland’s growing marine, agricultural and tourism industries.”

Quotes attributable to Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor, Jack Dempsey:

“I sincerely thank and offer our gratitude to the entire Pacific Tug team which had the vision to bring this project to the Port of Bundaberg and understood the potential of our area and the importance of supporting regional communities.

“The Pacific Marine Base represents a significant investment in the Port of Bundaberg which we believe will act as a catalyst for further development.

“The Pacific Marine Base is an unrivalled piece of infrastructure on Australia’s eastern seaboard which can leverage a range of industries.

“The project has potential to deliver a number of outcomes for the region in relation to renewables and connectivity between the South Pacific islands and Norfolk Island.”