Published Wednesday, 24 September, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Treasurer
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
Cairns to manage Far North Ports
Far North Queensland will be managed by one “super port’’ in Cairns under proposals in a review released by Treasurer Andrew Fraser today.
Mr Fraser said the preferred option for future management of ports in the far north would involve the establishment of a new Far North port authority, based in Cairns.
“This restructure is a bold move aimed squarely at focussing on building export strength and providing regional capacity and leadership.
“The Far North Ports Corporation will manage all ports from Mourilyan north, with the exception of bulk export port at Weipa.
“This also includes Thursday Island, Cooktown, Cape Flattery, Quintell Beach, Skardon River and Burketown,’’ he said.
“Until now these ports had been managed from Brisbane. This option recognises the fact that the Far North is a major player in Queensland’s economy.
“By uniting and managing these ports from one central office, but still base it in the far north, we can ensure these ports achieve their full potential.
“We believe that the Far North Ports Corporation will be best placed to manage the very unique challenges and opportunities that occur in some of these extremely regional and remote areas.
“The review examined several different options, but we believe this is the only one that will best ensure economic viability, employment growth and further trade development.
"Other proposed changes include transferring the management of the Port of Lucinda to the Port of Townsville Ltd.
“Mackay will become part of a new entity to manage the major coal export ports between Abbot Point, Hay Point and Weipa.
Stage one of the review was conducted following the decision of the Bligh government to divest the Cairns and Mackay Airports of long term leases.
Mr Fraser said the review recommended a five port authority model instead of the current six.
Appointments to the boards of the ports corporations will be determined once the final model is settled and is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
Mr Fraser said existing employee protections which had been signed off as part of the sale of the Mackay and Cairns airports would continue in place. Any further employment issues would be resolved in close consultation with unions.
Mr Fraser said further consultation with stakeholders including staff, councils, major port customers would occur over coming weeks.
Media Contact: Renee Mickelburgh 0458 357 539
Mr Fraser said the preferred option for future management of ports in the far north would involve the establishment of a new Far North port authority, based in Cairns.
“This restructure is a bold move aimed squarely at focussing on building export strength and providing regional capacity and leadership.
“The Far North Ports Corporation will manage all ports from Mourilyan north, with the exception of bulk export port at Weipa.
“This also includes Thursday Island, Cooktown, Cape Flattery, Quintell Beach, Skardon River and Burketown,’’ he said.
“Until now these ports had been managed from Brisbane. This option recognises the fact that the Far North is a major player in Queensland’s economy.
“By uniting and managing these ports from one central office, but still base it in the far north, we can ensure these ports achieve their full potential.
“We believe that the Far North Ports Corporation will be best placed to manage the very unique challenges and opportunities that occur in some of these extremely regional and remote areas.
“The review examined several different options, but we believe this is the only one that will best ensure economic viability, employment growth and further trade development.
"Other proposed changes include transferring the management of the Port of Lucinda to the Port of Townsville Ltd.
“Mackay will become part of a new entity to manage the major coal export ports between Abbot Point, Hay Point and Weipa.
Stage one of the review was conducted following the decision of the Bligh government to divest the Cairns and Mackay Airports of long term leases.
Mr Fraser said the review recommended a five port authority model instead of the current six.
Appointments to the boards of the ports corporations will be determined once the final model is settled and is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
Mr Fraser said existing employee protections which had been signed off as part of the sale of the Mackay and Cairns airports would continue in place. Any further employment issues would be resolved in close consultation with unions.
Mr Fraser said further consultation with stakeholders including staff, councils, major port customers would occur over coming weeks.
Media Contact: Renee Mickelburgh 0458 357 539