Cairns marine precinct business case release means flags major Defence job opportunities
A waterside jobs boom is on the horizon after the long-awaited completion of the Cairns marine precinct infrastructure business case.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A WATERSIDE jobs boom is on the horizon after the long-awaited completion of the Cairns marine precinct infrastructure business case.
The farsighted document goes public on Friday with an unequivocal call for major spending across the precinct and the industries that use it.
It has been a long time coming – Deputy Premier Steven Miles announced the $2m study was being “fast-tracked” back in December 2020 – but it has finally arrived.
Fortunately, it should be just in time to scoop up federal election commitments.
The Price Waterhouse Coopers document envisages a new 5000-tonne ship-lift where the Fearnley St public boat ramp currently lies.
It leads to a security-gated route where large ships could be hoisted and transported across the road to a new common-user facility on land opposite the bulk sugar terminal beside Smiths Creek.
The city’s three slipways and associated businesses could access the common user facility for major maintenance work on tourist, Defence and private vessels.
The document is explicit about the need for significant investment in the precinct.
“In the absence of timely or appropriate action and investment, the Cairns marine precinct may not be able to compete for future Defence sustainment contracts or adequately service the growing commercial and tourism vessel markets,” it warns.
The study was part of a wider $30m Queensland Government election pledge for the marine precinct.
“The other $28m of Queensland Government funding is already being invested in Ports North acquisition of strategic port land and in new infrastructure to support existing and future common wharf usage,” Mr Miles said.
Mr Miles will be in Cairns to hand down the report on Friday and could cross paths with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is in town for a Great Barrier Reef pledge.
The Deputy Premier has already fired off a challenged to the Prime Minister.
“He should commit today to real funding towards the Cairns Marine Precinct and work in good faith with the Palaszczuk Government to get this delivered,” he said.
“I want to see the Morrison Government provide additional Defence vessels and commit to long-term maintenance contracts here in Cairns.”
The business case has major implications for the Defence industry, especially in light of last week’s announcement of a $70m, five-year navy maintenance contract awarded to Cairns consortium NORSTA Marine.
The Queensland Government’s strategic defence adviser for maritime Rear Admiral Simon Cullen (Ret) said Cairns was one of the few Australian ports offering maritime industry and Department of Defence expansion opportunities.
“Cairns is considered a strategic location for the Regional Maintenance Centre North East for the Royal Australian Navy,” he said.
“Construction of a common user facility would allow local service providers to pursue additional maintenance work from the private sector as well as from the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force.”
Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch has long called for a ship-lift and common user facility and now has the business case to back up his funding calls in Canberra.
Its release should also mean Ports North’s long overdue masterplan for the precinct can finally move ahead.
More Coverage
Originally published as Cairns marine precinct business case release means flags major Defence job opportunities
Bureau warns of ‘dangerous weather’ and major flooding
Major flood warnings have been issued ahead of a massive rainfall event expected to impact coastal areas between Cairns and Townsville in the coming days. NEED-TO-KNOW FLOOD INFO
Read more
Named: FNQ’s best mullet winner
A Tablelands toddler has been crowned FNQ’s best mullet winner, growing out his locks in a touching tribute to his late dad. His story, here.
Read more