Multi-million-dollar Port of Bundaberg project sets sail

The key contractors set to build the multi-million-dollar Common User Infrastructure at the Port of Bundaberg have been 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 that 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.

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.

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 at www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/regional-deals/hinkler-regional-deal.

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm

“This project is great news for the people of Bundaberg but also the broader Burnett region, creating jobs and opportunities for businesses in the region. 

“The Federal Government understands how important it is to create jobs and opportunities across regional Queensland, and projects like this show our continuing commitment to that”. 

 Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

 “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.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey:

“I am thrilled to see this vital project not only progressing, but supporting local jobs and local companies from Bundaberg and across the state.

“This is another example of the Australian and Queensland governments working together with private enterprise to invest in a stronger future for Queenslanders and local business.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith:

 “This project is another example of Queensland owned assets delivering for the people of Queensland, and especially for the people of Bundaberg.

“Today’s announcement sparks a bigger, better future for Bundaberg’s port and for good jobs here in the Wide Bay.

“I’m proud to be part of a Government that continues to deliver for all of Queensland, especially in the regions.”

Quotes attributable to Gladstone Ports Corporation CEO Craig Haymes:

“The project is in conjunction with GPC’s strategic planning work to promote the Port of Bundaberg and surrounding State Development Area.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Sugar Terminals Limited CEO David Quinn:

“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.

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.”

Media contacts:

MINISTER KING – NICK BEAVER 0419 709 266

MINISTER BAILEY – JOE OGILVIE 0423 184 412