Ribbon cut on new multi-use $21.9million conveyor at Port of Bundaberg

The ribbon has officially been cut on a new multi-use, multimillion-dollar conveyor at the Port of Bundaberg, which is set to double the export capacity of the port.

The ribbon was officially cut on the Port of Bundaberg’s latest addition, a $21.9 million multi-use conveyor belt which is set to “revolutionise” the port’s export capabilities.

The new bulk goods conveyor is set to double the export opportunities of the region, and much of southeast Queensland, offering a new competitive loading facility for a range of industries beyond agriculture.

The state-of-the-art 250m conveyor was first announced in 2022, and by the official date of ribbon cutting on Wednesday April 10, had already been put to work, exporting locally produced silica sand to South Korea.

Regional Development Minister Kristy McBain was joined by Labor Bundaberg MP Tom Smith, Gladstone Ports Corporation CEO Craig Haynes and Sugar Terminals Limited CEO David Quinn, alongside Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn and councillors Tracey McPhee and Carmen McEneany at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The multimillion-dollar project was brought to life by joint investments including $17.7 million dollars from the Australian Government, supported by a $3.2 million dollar investment from Sugar Terminals Limited, with additional funding from the Gladstone Ports Corporation on behalf of the Queensland Government.

Speaking at the official opening event Ms McBain said the facility “changes the game” for the port and the local export economy.

“It’s an economic game changer not only for the agricultural products of the region, but also minerals,” she said.

She said the development would support local agriculture beyond sugar exports, and may encourage other export groups to look to the Port of Bundaberg moving forward.

“For so long we have had farmers who haven’t looked at export markets because it would cost too much to get to other ports,” she said.

“What this project does is actually open up economic markets for farmers.”

Mr Smith backed the words of the minister and said the conveyor would open up export opportunities for smaller and medium businesses who may not be able to afford to ship to Brisbane or Gladstone for export.

“This is a real opportunity for future investment,” he said.

Originally published as Ribbon cut on new multi-use $21.9million conveyor at Port of Bundaberg