Cairns’ ship service dreams set to sink without budget funds, Labor warns

The Far North will miss the boat on major defence contracts and thousands of new jobs if the state government fails to commit to building critical marine infrastructure in the region, Member for Cairns Michael Healy says.

Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility could create another 5,000 jobs for the Far North, Member for Cairns Michael Healy says. Picture: NORSTA Maritime

The Far North will miss the boat on major defence contracts and thousands of new jobs if the state government fails to commit to building critical marine infrastructure in the region, Member for Cairns Michael Healy says.

The future of the Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility was thrown into doubt last December when transport minister Brent Mickelberg revealed a $466m cost blowout on the project.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy and shadow treasurer Shannon Fentiman are lobbying for funds to build the Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility in the upcoming state budget. Picture: Samuel Davis

But the opposition has urged the LNP to lock in funds for the development ahead of next week’s state budget which would feature a 5000 tonne shiplift to service vessels near the heart of the city.

The CUF, initially costed at $360m, would bring with it a sizeable return on investment, Mr Healy said.

“This has huge potential,” he said.

“Currently, our marine area employs around about 7000 people. We could see that increase by 5000 if this was to proceed.

“It has the potential to drive millions of dollars into our economy. The diversification of our economy here in the north is fundamental to our success and to our growth.

“This needs to be invested in by the LNP government.”

Member for Barron River Bree James says a project budget blowout for Common User Facility forced the state government to review the development. Picture: Brendan Radke

Member for Barron River Bree James refused to declare whether the LNP will fund the facility with Ports North and the state government still working on a revised business case for the CUF.

“The Far North has been neglected with major infrastructure for a long time,” Ms James said.

“So, any project that brings a great return on investment that increases jobs and is great for our community, I will always advocate for.

“Our government’s about making sure that we do things strategically and that they will work because it’s tax payer money.”

Opposition treasurer spokeswoman Shannon Fentiman said the LNP’s new plans were overdue.

“I understand the report that was undertaken by Ports North was due to be given back to the government in February, and we have heard nothing,” Ms Fentiman said.

“This community deserves answers about what the new cost for this project is and when the government will fund it.

“So we’re all in the dark because the transport minister and premier David Crisafulli are keeping it a secret from this community. It’s not good enough.”

Transport minister Brent Mickelberg has lashed Labor over its handling of the CUF. Picture: John Gass

But independent analysis has revealed the project couldn’t be delivered under Labor’s earlier budget, transport minister Brent Mickelberg said.

“It’s pretty rich for the opposition to even be talking about the Common User Facility,” Mr Mickelberg said.

“They committed to it in 2021 and did nothing. The advice that I have from Ports North is that it will cost at least $600m.

“Labor had no plan to deliver the CUF. What they had were talking points.”

Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith says the federal government remains committed to the Common User Facility. Picture: Brendan Radke

Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said the federal government’s support for the CUF hadn’t wavered with $180m already committed.

“It’s an incredibly important project that could change the economy here in Cairns,” Mr Smith said.

The budget will be delivered next Tuesday.

Originally published as Cairns’ ship service dreams set to sink without budget funds, Labor warns