A new bulk goods conveyor has been officially opened at the Port of Bundaberg, transforming export opportunities in Queensland’s Wide Bay-Burnett region.
The conveyor, worth $21.9 million, was made possible courtesy of a $17.7 million contribution from the federal government and an additional $3.2 million from Sugar Terminals, alongside additional funding from Gladstone Ports Corporation on behalf of the Queensland government.
The bulk goods conveyor is part of the Hinkler Regional Deal, with the conveyor providing competitive and efficient loading facilities for a wide range of bulk minerals and agricultural products, from sands and sugar to light grain and wood pellets.
Following rigorous testing over recent months, the new facilities, including the state-of-the-art 250 metre conveyer, two transfer towers and modifications to existing ship loading equipment, have already been put to use with the first shipment of product occurring this month.
The 22,000-tonne shipment of silica sand – produced by local Bundaberg business, Sunstate Sands – is bound for South Korea, where it will be used in the manufacture of glass.
Delivered by Sugar Terminals and e2o, federal regional development minister Kristy McBain says the project supported 335 jobs and stimulated the Bundaberg economy, with local procurement including structural fabrication, painting and fencing, and all trade labour.
“It’s fantastic to see this modern and fit-for-purpose conveyor in action helping to increase exports of bulk commodities from the Port of Bundaberg – as part of our commitment to supporting a future made in Australia,” McBain says.
“For every business, time is money – which is why we invested more than $17 million towards more efficient and multi-purpose loading facilities, enabling a faster exit from the port – which we know is under more demand than ever.
“This will support businesses in the Wide Bay-Burnett region to expand their capabilities and services, driving economic growth and the creation of local employment opportunities – building on the 335 jobs supported during construction.”
Queensland transport and main roads minister Bart Mellish says the project is a “significant milestone” for Bundaberg.
“It’s great to see local businesses and workers have played a big role in the project too,” Mellish says.
“The Queensland government has looked forward to the official opening of the conveyor, which will play a key role in the economic future of the Wide-Bay Burnett region.”
Gladstone Ports Corporation CEO Craig Haymes says the project is of strategic importance to the Port of Bundaberg and the wider region.
“This is about expanding the export capabilities of the port and unlocking opportunities for regional producers to compete on a global scale,” Haymes says.
“The new facilities have the potential to increase our existing throughput in the Port of Bundaberg by more than five times and accommodate new products.
“At GPC, we are dedicated to developing the port to operate at its full potential in a measured and sustainable manner to bring further growth and prosperity to the Wide Bay Burnett region.
“We are proud to be working closely with Sugar Terminals Limited and e2o and we are excited to celebrate this milestone.”