Queensland government backs plan to turn the Central Queensland port into a major export hub
Bundaberg could become a key export port, with agriculture and minerals set to join the sugar and wood pellets already distributed from its wharves.
The Queensland government is considering acquiring 5000ha of land adjacent to the port as part of an official state development area that would see the port expanded and upgraded.
At the same time, it has increased its funding to the Bundaberg Gas Pipeline project that will connect the port and industrial customers with a larger supply system in the west of the city.
State development minister Anthony Lynham says development of the port could create significant investment and job opportunities from the agricultural sector and other industries.
“We’re talking about increasing throughput from an average 254,000 tonnes a year for the last five years to an estimated 1,000,000 tonnes a year,” Lynham says.
“Currently the port exports raw sugar, some molasses, wood pellets and silica sands, and establishing a State Development Area would assist expansion of that resource base.”
One of the unique advantages of Bundaberg Port is its location just outside of the Great Barrier Reef world heritage area.
It is therefore the most northern port not affected by the development restrictions currently limiting the growth of both Gladstone and Townsville ports.
State member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders says local councils in the region have made port expansion a priority project.
“This is good news for local industry in both Maryborough and Bundaberg looking to export goods and produce through the port.”