Investment in marine precinct a boost for Australian and Pacific relations

Construction for a new ship lift in the Cairns Marine Precinct will begin later this year, an investment the federal government says will help boost Australia’s presence in the Pacific.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has visited the Cairns Marine Precinct, to promote the $360 million expansion to the industry, equally funded by the federal and state governments. Treasurer Jim Chalmers inspect two Australian Border Force ships currently undergoing maintainence at the Marine Precinct. Picture: Brendan Radke

Construction on a new Common User Facility at the Cairns Marine Precinct is set to start at the end of this year, as the federal government eyes off deeper engagement with the Pacific.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who visited Cairns on Thursday to talk to business, tourism and transport representatives, went on a tour of the Cairns Marine Precinct, which the federal government pledged an extra $30m to in this year’s federal budget, bringing their total investment to $180m of the shared $360m total cost.

Mr Chalmers said construction of the CUF was due to begin later this year.

“We’re nailing down the final details with the state government and other interesting parties, including local employers,” Mr Chalmers said.

“That’s $180 million from the feds, $180 million from the state government investing in this 5000 tonne shoplift which will help these amazing employers do what they do best here in such a wonderful part of Australia.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has visited the Cairns Marine Precinct, to promote the $360 million expansion to the industry, equally funded by the federal and state governments. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Member for Cairns Michael Healy inspect two Australian Border Force ships currently undergoing maintainence at the Marine Precinct. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We know that if we want the national economy to perform strongly, then we need regional economies like this one to be a much bigger part of the story. That’s what this big investment is all about.”

Mr Chalmers said the federal government’s investment in the region aimed to boost employment and allow for deeper engagement in the Pacific region.
“It makes a lot of sense for a lot of that work to come out of here from the tropical Far North Queensland, from Cairns in particular,” Mr Chalmers said.
“The Pacific is a very high foreign policy priority of the government and that brings economic benefits for places like Cairns.”

Cairns Regional Council this week voted to help local businesses get more opportunities in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific under a new five-year deal.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has visited the Cairns Marine Precinct, to promote the $360 million expansion to the industry, equally funded by the federal and state governments. Norship ISS manager Steve Howarth, Norship defence operations manager Stuart Hodgson, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Austral General Manager for Queensland Phil Growden, Gillian Shaw of Norstar and Tropical Reef Shipyard general manager Robert Downing inspect two Australian Border Force ships currently undergoing maintainence at the Marine Precinct. Picture: Brendan Radke

In a statement, the council announced it would enter into an agreement with Tradelinked Cairns Incorporated to develop markets, provide educational opportunities and enhance mining engagement in the region.

The council is providing $20,000 a year to the organisation over the five-year period.

The organisation had requested $100,000 per year but the council agreed on a much lower amount.

“The strategic location of Cairns as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region positions it as a natural hub for trade and investment,” the council said in a statement.

“The new agreement is consistent with State and Federal governments where strengthening diplomatic and trade relationships in the Pacific are a priority.”

Tradelinked successfully delivered three projects funded by Council’s Industry and Economic Development Fund (IEDF) since 2019.

The agreement follows last week’s Federal Government announcement of $5.5m to support PNG’s pathway to having a team in Australia’s National Rugby League competition.

The government is keen on “rugby league diplomacy” to combat China’s potential incursion into the Pacific region.

Originally published as Investment in marine precinct a boost for Australian and Pacific relations