Townsville Port booming with renewable pipeline

An estimated $4.2 billion pipeline of renewable energy projects underway or financially committed across Queensland are driving up business through the Port of Townsville.

Visiting the Port today, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Jackie Trad said that this will significantly benefit the local economy.

“The Budget I handed down last week was firmly focused on delivering the jobs and industry for future North Queenslanders,” Ms Trad said.

“Renewable energy will be a key driver of these jobs. You can see that at the Port of Townsville where more than 60% of the imports this financial year have been for renewable energy projects.

“Companies like Jinko Solar are also getting on board, ensuring that their components of the Haughton Solar project are directed through the Port, to keep jobs local.

“That’s why we’re investing in the channel-widening so that the Port of Townsville can continue to grow with North Queensland.

“Unfortunately, the Turnbull LNP Government are refusing to support our State once again.

“We’ve put $75 million on the table, we’re getting on with the job of delivering for Queensland but the LNP just won’t contribute or support the thousands of local jobs reliant on this industry.”

Member for Mundingburra and Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors Coralee O’Rourke said that the local economic benefits are positive.

“The recent shipment of 36 blades and 3,500 tonnes of cargo will form part of the world’s first hybrid large-scale power plant,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“This translates to more jobs for Queenslanders and a stronger local economy.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said that increasing investment in renewables for the North meant jobs for Townsville.

“Renewable energy projects are booming under our Palaszczuk Government and these imports are evidence of that,” Mr Harper said.

“We’re committed to ensuring we reach 50% renewables by 2030 and the investment in renewables that we’ve seen in this year’s Budget will help us attain this important target.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said that the Palaszczuk Government’s Investment into port lands and berths has seen facilities and operating efficiencies continuously improve. 

“This year’s Budget allocates $18.6 million for 2018-19 out of a $27.3 million total spend to commence acquisition of Berth 4 cranes and development of associated cargo terminal areas to cater for future trade growth,” Mr Stewart said.

“This increases the competitiveness of the Port of Townsville and allows the Port to receive larger cargo containers like the recent shipment of wind turbine blades.

“Shipments like this mean filled shifts at the Port, greater job opportunities and more renewable energy projects getting the material they need from a local Port at a faster rate.”

Other key projects for North Queensland in this year’s Budget include:

•          $841.3 million spend on infrastructure in 2018-19, supporting 2,800 jobs
•          $225 million over four years to implement the recommendations of the Townsville Water Security Taskforce
•          $250 million for the new North Queensland Stadium
•          $983.8 million for the Townsville Hospital and Health Service including funding for a new MRI machine and a new Palm Island Primary Health Care Centre
•          $3.1 million for a feasibility study into a proposed lithium-ion battery factory for Townsville

ENDS

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