The current width of the channels to Townsville Port limit routine navigational access to vessels no greater than 238 metres Length Overall (LOA) and a beam of 32 metres. A range of vessels that require access to import/export freight in Northern Queensland have dimensions exceeding this. Therefore these vessels must utilise southern capital city ports, with freight to then be road and rail transported to Northern Queensland, increasing the time, cost, safety risks and environmental impacts.
Larger ships create improved economies of scale, ultimately offering cheaper imports and exports out of Northern Australia and reduced carbon emissions.
The full $193M funding has been secured jointly from the State and Federal Governments and construction is currently underway.
MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON THE PORT WEBSITE
Jobs and Economic Impacts
- 120 FTE jobs during channel capacity construction
- 245 FTE jobs in Queensland supported after construction
- Support 8,000 jobs in industries relying on the Port
- $580M present value of benefits
