Townsville buoyed by cruise ship arrival

Celebrations will be in full swing today, as Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth becomes the largest cruise ship to ever navigate the newly widened Port of Townsville shipping channel. 

The $251 million Channel Upgrade is the latest project delivered through a partnership with the Australian Government contributing $75 million, the Queensland Government contributing $105 million, and the Port of Townsville Limited contributing the remaining $71 million.

The widened channel is expected to open new tourism markets to the city with six large class cruise ships scheduled to dock in 2025, bringing the total number of cruise vessels to berth in the 2024/25 season to twenty-two, a record for Townsville. With each passenger spending an average of $200 per day exploring the region, it’s a significant boost to the local economy. 

The upgrades will also future proof the Townsville’s maritime trade, which is estimated to triple in the next 30 years.

The arrival of the Queen Elizabeth caps off a two-year capital dredging project which nearly doubled the width of the shipping channel at the inshore (Port) end to cater for ships up to 300 metres in length. 

The project included construction of a 2.2km rock wall, bounding a 62-hectare reclamation area which will pave the way for future port expansions, including room for six new berths and associated infrastructure.

The works, undertaken by Queensland company Hall Contracting, delivered 30,000 hours of training to local workers, including trainees, apprentices and university students. Employment for more than 2,000 people was supported throughout the entirety of the project.

In addition to the Channel Upgrade project, the Albanese Government has delivered big ticket investments which will position Townsville for success now and into the future, including the landmark Queensland Country Bank Stadium, and funding for the Reef HQ redevelopment. 

More information on how the Australian Government is delivering for cities and regional centres across the nation is available here.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain:

“The Port of Townsville Channel Upgrade is the latest project demonstrating our commitment to enhancing liveability of Townsville, growing industry and revitalising one of Australia’s largest regional centres. 

“Years from now this project is going to be looked back on as a catalyst which created jobs, opened up trade and provided a lasting boost to the local economy.”

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

“Whether it’s the tonnes of copper, sugar and fertiliser being loaded onto ships or the thousands of people who will board cruise ships, this channel upgrade has been a crucial part of ensuring Northern Australia's largest city remains to be a key part of our economy. 

“The Channel Upgrade project is also another brilliant example of the Albanese Government investing in the right priorities to keep regional economies moving.

“It will produce immediate dividends and set Townsville up for the future having created 30,000 hours of training opportunities for trainees and apprentices, giving many their first jobs on the tools and learning skills for life.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg:

“The Port of Townsville is a critical part of the North Queensland economy, and the Channel Upgrade Project is important for its long-term growth, competitiveness and resilience of shipping and freight movement. 

“It provides the safest, most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution for meeting the freight requirements of North Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Port of Townsville Limited CEO, Ranee Crosby:

“This project will deliver the largest cruise ships Townsville has seen to date and will be carrying thousands of passengers and crew, which means significant economic injections into our local economy and local businesses.

“This milestone heralds a new era of maritime tourism for the region, promising to boost the local economy and offer visitors an unparalleled experience to explore our region right throughout the year.

“North Queensland is home to some of the most significant emerging opportunities that will fuel economic growth for decades to come, spanning critical minerals, mining and processing, renewable energy transmission and generation and advanced manufacturing.

“Through continued expansion, our Port will play a critical role in supporting the North’s pipeline of major projects.”