Published Wednesday, 24 September, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Treasurer
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
Townsville Port expands in Bligh Government port restructure
The Port of Townsville will expand its responsibilities with the Bligh government recommending proposing to transfer the management of the Port of Lucinda from Brisbane to the Townsville Ports Corporation.
“This state-wide restructure is a bold move aimed squarely at focussing on building export strength and providing regional capacity and leadership.
“The Port of Lucinda is currently managed out of Brisbane and the review identified a better alignment with Townsville Ports Corporation as a regional port entity.
“This is about strengthening the future of our northern ports sector and focussing on growth and exports,” said Mr Fraser.
Mr Fraser said Townsville was already experiencing massive growth and had seen its future prospects enhanced with the pursuit of growth opportunities out of the North West Minerals Province.
“With the 107 million investment announced in the Budget to enhance export efficiency and cut travel times by 2 hours on the Mt Isa to Townsville rail line we expect to see further growth at the Townsville Port.
Mr Fraser said the Bligh government recognised the challenges facing regional Queensland and recognised the great contribution it made to the economy.
“That is why we feel the best people to manage the ports are those who know the area best.’’
Mr Fraser said that in Mackay and Cairns new port structures were also being put in place with the planned divestment of the Mackay and Cairns airports.
“Cairns Port Authority will become known as the Far North Queensland Ports Corporation and assume responsibility for the Ports of the Cape and Mourilyan.
“Mackay Port Authority will become part of a new North Queensland Bulk Ports Corp which will include Weipa, Hay Point and Abbot Point.
Mr Fraser said appointments to the boards of the ports corporations will be determined once the final model is settled. It is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
“Under this proposal 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 will be resolved in close consultation with unions.
Media Contact: Renee Mickelburgh 0458 357 539
“This state-wide restructure is a bold move aimed squarely at focussing on building export strength and providing regional capacity and leadership.
“The Port of Lucinda is currently managed out of Brisbane and the review identified a better alignment with Townsville Ports Corporation as a regional port entity.
“This is about strengthening the future of our northern ports sector and focussing on growth and exports,” said Mr Fraser.
Mr Fraser said Townsville was already experiencing massive growth and had seen its future prospects enhanced with the pursuit of growth opportunities out of the North West Minerals Province.
“With the 107 million investment announced in the Budget to enhance export efficiency and cut travel times by 2 hours on the Mt Isa to Townsville rail line we expect to see further growth at the Townsville Port.
Mr Fraser said the Bligh government recognised the challenges facing regional Queensland and recognised the great contribution it made to the economy.
“That is why we feel the best people to manage the ports are those who know the area best.’’
Mr Fraser said that in Mackay and Cairns new port structures were also being put in place with the planned divestment of the Mackay and Cairns airports.
“Cairns Port Authority will become known as the Far North Queensland Ports Corporation and assume responsibility for the Ports of the Cape and Mourilyan.
“Mackay Port Authority will become part of a new North Queensland Bulk Ports Corp which will include Weipa, Hay Point and Abbot Point.
Mr Fraser said appointments to the boards of the ports corporations will be determined once the final model is settled. It is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
“Under this proposal 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 will be resolved in close consultation with unions.
Media Contact: Renee Mickelburgh 0458 357 539