Port of Abbot Point ready for heavy lifting

Published Friday, 24 February, 2017 at 09:00 AM

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has completed the finishing touches to an important piece of infrastructure at the Port of Abbot Point.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the $8.5 million renewal of the Marine Offloading Facility (MOF) allows large equipment and materials to be transferred to and from the port by barge rather than by road.

“The MOF is a great asset for the Port of Abbot Point and enhances the opportunity to attract new customers and trade,” Mr Pitt said.

“It also means large cargoes can be delivered in a cost efficient way, with the added benefit of keeping traffic off the busy Bruce Highway.

“Best of all, regional Queensland company PMG Group provided the specialist marine construction expertise for the project.

“I’m pleased that in undertaking this project, NQBP made it a priority to work with PMG to create and offer local employment opportunities, which help support the region.

“Not only did these works directly employ local people, the project also brought more contractors into the community – eating at local restaurants and staying at the local hotels.”

The project, which has also delivered improved emergency response capabilities for the port, was announced as a State Government Accelerated Works Project.

NQBP CEO Steve Lewis said up to 30 local Bowen workers were on site at the peak of construction activities.

“This renewal project is part of NQBP’s commitment to delivering sustainable and efficient port services,” Mr Lewis said.

“Infrastructure investments like this not only improve efficiency at our ports, they provide assets for port customers and support the economic development of Queensland and the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac region.

“The first planned delivery to make use of the MOF will be a replacement ‘stacker reclaimer’ - machinery used to pile and distribute coal - used at Terminal 1.”

Fast facts:

  • 70 concrete slabs used to create a barge ramp – each 1 metre x 4 metres
  • 100 metres of sheet pilings were used
  • 200 cubic metres of concrete was poured onsite

(The concrete was poured by local contractors Hillery Group and was supplied locally by Pilcher Concrete)

 

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