Tenders open for Bundaberg Port common user infrastructure project

The massive Bundaberg Port project is expected to create jobs, attract big business and commodities to the region and open up global export opportunities for local producers and businesses. SUBSCRIBE to find out more.

A new $10 million project to build Common User Infrastructure at the Port of Bundaberg is a step closer, with the detailed plans complete and tenders now open to local businesses.

A new bulk goods conveyor facility at the port will improve loading facilities for a wide range of goods.

Federal Regional Development and Territories Assistant Minister Nola Marino said once complete, the Common User Infrastructure would provide an opportunity for the Hinkler region and surrounds to increase exports of bulk commodities including minerals, timber products (wood pellets and woodchip) and agricultural produce.

“This $10 million investment from the Australian Government under the Hinkler Regional Deal will deliver new capability at the Port of Bundaberg. This will increase economic activity for the Hinkler region and provide opportunities for local producers to compete in world markets,” she said.

Hinkler MP Keith Pitt said once completed the new conveyor would open up the Port of Bundaberg to a wider range of vessels with improved loading and unloading times.

“The Port of Bundaberg has been under-utilised for many years and this new infrastructure will be the boost needed to attract more businesses to the region,” he said.

“The sooner construction gets underway the better, as we need as many opportunities for more local jobs here as possible, and I hope to see as much construction work as possible going to local firms.”

Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) and Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2019 to expand on existing cargo handling capabilities and have been working to deliver the new enabling infrastructure.

GPC and STL are providing additional financial contributions to assist in progressing the project.

Port of Bundaberg manager Jason Pascoe said GPC and STL were now on the hunt for bids from local businesses before tenders close on January 21.

“It’s a really exciting time at the Port of Bundaberg,” he said.

“The plans are now complete and we’re looking to engage local businesses to participate in formal tender processes for the supply, fabrication, installation and commissioning of a new common user system at the Port of Bundaberg.”

Tenders for the project will close on January 22. Photo: GPC

GPC Acting Chief Executive Officer Paul Heagney said the detailed plans signalled a major milestone for the project.

“We’ve been working around-the-clock with STL on this project and to now go to market with a detailed design is a great achievement,” he said.

“The project is in conjunction with our strategic planning work to promote the Port of Bundaberg and surrounding State Development Area and we’re excited to see the project stimulate industry growth for the region.”

STL Chief Executive Officer David Quinn said the project, following final approvals, would generate significant employment opportunities for the region and attract new commodities to the Port.

“The new infrastructure will have the capacity to provide customers with competitive loading rates and pricing. This will allow the region to develop projects with certainty on costs and Port availability,” he said.

“The project has been designed to complement our existing sugar handling operations which will minimise costs for all customers.”

More information on the tender opportunity visit the QTenders website and search CUI.

More information on the Hinkler Regional Deal is available here.