Cairns marine precinct land deal to result in construction bonanza
The Cairns Marine Precinct upgrade has taken a leap forward with a deal that will create 150 jobs.
Cairns
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THE Cairns Marine Precinct upgrade has taken a leap forward with a parcel of land secured by Port North.
The 2.3ha parcel of land will include two new wharves in Smith’s Creek and at Commercial Fisherman’s Base Number 2.
The new wharves will expand the capacity for in-water maintenance for vessels used by the Australian Defence Force and Border Force.
“Bringing these wharves will create 150 construction jobs in the short term , but the longer term employment opportunities that came with expanding the Cairns Marine Precinct are really exciting,” Member for Cairns Michael Healy said.
The next step is a business case to develop the precinct as a key centre for maintaining and repairing large vessels.
“That business case will investigate the manufacture of commercial vessels required for servicing the region that would bring more jobs to the city,” Mr Healy said.
‘There is an existing skilled work force, contractor base and infrastructure within the marine precinct to not only expand opportunities for more vessel maintenance but also to explore the possibility of building vessels here one day too.”
Engineering and design company Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd has begun work on construction tender documents.
“This is an important project for our vital marine precinct which will build on the new wider and deeper shipping channel which was successfully completed last year,” Ports North Chairman Russell Beer said.
Enterprise North lobbyist Kevin Byrne said the development was “the best news for the marine precinct in a long time.
“It’s hoped that the work will roll out quickly,” Mr Byrne said.
“The investment in the Marine Maintenance Precinct has been promised for some time, and when it materialises will provide the incentive to attract further private sector investment into this strategically important sector.
“Along with the airport, our seaport investment will drive the shape of the Cairns economy for the next decade.”
A separate master planning process for the Port of Cairns is due for completion within six months.
Originally published as Cairns marine precinct land deal to result in construction bonanza
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