Townsville’s Quayside cruise terminal undergoing transformation

Link to concept designs and images

• Port of Townsville’s Quayside Terminal will undergo a $5.9 million upgrade ahead of a highly-anticipated cruise season.
• Contractor McMahon Services will deliver the package which will provide better services and accessibility for passengers.
• A record 24 cruise ships are scheduled to berth in Townsville throughout the 2024/25 season in a major boost to the local economy.

Port of Townsville’s Quayside Terminal is being upgraded to cater for an influx of passengers and crew on Large Class cruise ships in the 2024/25 cruise season.

The bus zone is being expanded to accommodate 12 coaches, up from four, and a dedicated kiss ‘n’ ride area is being constructed.

New seating, shade structures and landscaping are also included in the works.

A record 24 cruise ships are scheduled to berth in Townsville throughout the 2024/25 season, including Large Class cruise ships for the very first time.

A total of 28,756 passengers and 13,877 crew will visit Townsville in 2024-25, injecting almost $10 million into the local economy.

As part of the Port’s commitment to sustainability, an additional $3 million has been injected into renewable energy projects at the terminal.

430 solar panels and 60 battery banks were recently installed on the roof at Quayside Terminal, which are predicted to produce 279MWh of electricity annually, which equates to 10 per cent of the Port’s annual electricity consumption.

Works have now commenced and will be complete ahead of the arrival of Silver Muse on 3 November, 2024, the first cruise ship for the 2024/25 season.

Work will take place during daylight hours from Monday to Saturday.

Quotes attributable to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish:

“Almost 30,000 people are expected to pass through the Port of Townsville during the upcoming tourism season, showcasing just how much this tourism hub is growing every year.

“These vital upgrades are further proof of our commitment to grow our regional economy, with a commitment to local workforces and more sustainable facilities.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Townsville Scott Stewart:

“It’s exciting to see the upgrades start ahead of the arrival of the Silver Muse, kicking off what promises to be a remarkable cruise season for Townsville.

"For the first time, we will welcome Large Class cruise ships to our port, a testament to our status as the capital of North Queensland.

"With a record 24 cruise ships scheduled to berth in Townsville during the 2024/25 season, this upgrade will be pivotal in accommodating the influx of passengers and crew, and will provide a $10 million boost to the local economy.

“These upgrades, along with the Townsville Channel Upgrade, are essential drivers of our economy and the only reason we can do this is because we own the Port of Townsville – an asset the LNP tried to sell off when they were last in government.”

Quotes attributable to Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby:

“The $251 million Channel Upgrade project, which has widened the Port of Townsville shipping channel from 90m to 180m at the inshore end is nearing completion, will allow vessels up to 300m long to access the Port, instead of by-passing Townsville.

“These ships can carry upwards of 3000 passengers, almost triple the number on any one ship that we’ve usually accommodated to date.

“To ensure a seamless experience from ship to shore, Quayside Terminal’s bus and taxi rank will be expanded and a dedicated kiss’n’ride drop-off zone will be established.”

Quotes attributed to McMahon Services General Manager Queensland Chris Bassa:

“The project will directly support 11 full time equivalent positions, including staff from Intract Australia, with additional employment opportunities created with subcontractors, of which we are using 100% local trades and suppliers.

“We are committed to delivering this project for the benefit of the local community which we have been part of for 10 years, to ensure cruise operators continue to visit Townsville with the upgraded facility.”

ENDS

Media contact: Minister Mellish's office - 0466 620 176