The federal government has announced contract recipients for the upcoming Port of Bundaberg project
The key contractors set to build the multi-million-dollar Common User Infrastructure at the Port of Bundaberg have been announced.
Loftus Contracting and nationally recognised construction and engineering firm e2o, a wholly owned subsidiary of Clough, have secured the construction contracts for the project, which will deliver a new bulk goods conveyor facility at the port that will provide competitive and efficient loading facilities for a wide range of bulk minerals and agricultural products.
Gladstone-based Loftus Contracting has been engaged to conduct the civil works, which have already commenced.
e2o will complete the construction of the new conveyor infrastructure including modifications to the existing ship loading facilities and the structural, mechanical and electrical works.
Local fabrication company, BME Australia, will work closely with e2o on the fabrication of the main structural components, all of which will be fabricated in Bundaberg.
Once complete, the Common User Infrastructure will provide an opportunity to increase exports of bulk commodities including minerals, timber products (wood pellets and woodchip) and agricultural products.
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The federal government says it has committed up to $17.7 million in funding for the project, with additional funding committed by Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) and Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC), provided on behalf of the Queensland Government.
The project is part of the Hinkler Regional Deal, and is expected to be commissioned by April 2023.
Federal transport minister Catherine King says the project is important for not just Hinkler, but for wider Queensland too.
“The project will ensure this vital port can expand its export capabilities and be ready for the future,” King says.
“Constructing this new conveyor facility will unlock opportunities for local producers to compete in world markets, supporting businesses and the regional economy into the future.”
Federal assistant minister for regional development Anthony Chisolm says the news is positive for the local areas involved in the project.
“This project is great news for the people of Bundaberg but also the broader Burnett region, creating jobs and opportunities for businesses in the region,” Chisolm says.
“The federal government understands how important it is to create jobs and opportunities across regional Queensland, and projects like this show our continuing commitment to that.”