Port of Townsville awards major channel upgrade contract

The Port of Townsville awarded the largest contract of the $232 million Channel Upgrade Project to Hall Contracting Pty Ltd yesterday

The Port of Townsville awarded the largest contract of the $232 million Channel Upgrade Project to Hall Contracting Pty Ltd yesterday.

The works include capital dredging to widen 14.9km of sea channels over two years and reclamation of 62 hectares of land.

The project is expected to employ more than 70 full-time local workers and follows the extensive work over the past 18 months to build a 2.2km rock perimeter wall.

The announcement came after a statement by the Maritime Union of Australia claimed the deal would undercut industry wages and conditions by at least 30 per cent.

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MUA acting state secretary Jason Miners also believes contract contender Pacific Marine Group, in conjunction with Halls Contracting, could potentially take six months longer to complete the work.

He called on Port of Townsville chief executive officer Ranee Crosby to review the process.

Ms Crosby said Queensland-based Hall Contracting had partnered with Townsville-based Pacific Marine Group to do the work and they had extensive experience in dredging and reclamation.

“The pair has committed to almost 100 per cent of this project being resourced from Queensland-based businesses, Ms Crosby said.

“Hall Contracting has presented the best offer to complete the works.

“Their strong commitment to local industry and First Nations people’s participation as well as employment and learning opportunities for tertiary students, apprentices and trainees presents significant opportunities for our region.”

Hall Contracting CEO Cameron Hall said they regarded the project as one of the most iconic dredging projects in Australia’s history and an important step in the development of both the Port of Townsville and the city itself.

“Our recently acquired backhoe dredge, Woomera, is the largest Australian-owned dredge of its kind and will arrive in Townsville to commence works next year,” he said.

Pacific Marine Group CEO Kevin Chard said they were a born and bred North Queensland company which had operated in Townsville for more than 25 years.

“PMG is committed to local employment and development of our youth through partnerships with locals such as NRL Cowboys House and Tec-NQ’’

Originally published as Port of Townsville awards major channel upgrade contract