Expressions of interest being sought for Cairns Shipping Development Project

Dredging Contractors are being invited to provide Expressions of Interest for the removal and placement of dredge material for the Cairns Shipping Development Project.

The EOI is the first part of a two-stage process to procure a dredging contractor based on their experience, methods, equipment and capability to meet strict environmental requirements and timeframes.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said while a number of approvals still needed to be obtained by Ports North, calling for expressions of interest from dredging contractors was a major step forward for the Cairns Shipping Development Project.

“The Queensland Coordinator-General granted environmental approval for this project in February,” Mr Bailey said.

“Ports North has since been working with the State Government on a detailed business case in accordance with the Building Queensland Framework, as well as with the Federal Government to finalise approvals as soon as possible.”

Member for Cairns, Michael Healy said the upgrade to the Port of Cairns was vital for economic and tourism growth in Far North Queensland region.

“The widening and deepening of the existing navigation channel to allow larger cruise ships to berth at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal would unlock other benefits too,” Mr Healy said.

“The project will also enable future expansion of the HMAS Cairns Navy base; improve access and efficiency for bulk cargo and larger visiting Navy vessels and increased resilience for the Port of Cairns against extreme weather events.”

Ports North Chairman Russell Beer said the EOI would allow potential contractors to provide detailed capability information on typical work methods, equipment availability, company resources, management systems and local industry opportunities.

“We can then assess their capability to meet project timeframes, design parameters, strict and comprehensive environmental requirements and other project objectives,” Mr Beer said.

Subject to finalising all project approvals, Ports North plan to start work in 2019 and have the first larger cruise ship entering the upgraded channel in late 2019.

Dredging will occur over a 12-week period.

For more information visit www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/assessments-and-approvals/cairns-shipping-development-project.html

ENDS

Media contact:  Carmel Robertson 0439 347 875