PEP Overview Fact Sheet

FACT SHEET 1

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Port of Townsville is a vital and strategic trading
port for Queensland and plays a significant role
in the local, regional and state economy.

Handling more than 30 different cargo types, the Port of Townsville is Industries which rely on the Port of Townsville directly support
the largest general cargo and container port in Northern Australia, approximately 9,000 jobs.
and the country’s number one exporter of zinc, lead, sugar, fertiliser and
molasses. During 2015/2016 more than $10 billion in cargo value moved Trade volumes through the Port of Townsville are expected to treble over
through the Townsville Port. the next 30 years as Northern Australia is developed to its full potential.
Particularly strong growth is ancitipated in containerised and general
Townsville is the international freight gateway for the largest population cargo. In addition to this, modern vessels are increasing in build size
centre in Northern Australia; facilitating the import of essential everyday each year, therefore the Port of Townsville needs to widen the channel
goods to more than 700,000 people as well as the export of minerals, (access point) and build more berths to ensure its long term future and
agricultural products and general cargo to more than 240 ports across competitiveness in the global market.
the globe.

Why does the channel need to be bigger? Increasing ship sizes over the years

Since 1974 the Port of Townsville’s The size of cruise vessels sailing the 1965 FULLY CELLULAR BEAM 20M
entrance channel has measured 11.7 globe is also increasing each year, which
metres deep and 92 metres wide on means that over the next few years we 2,500 TEU // LENGTH 215M
average, making it around half the size will see a decline in the percentage of
of most other comparable ports around vessels that can visit Townsville, unless 1975 PANAMAX
Australia. The first works for this project we improve its accessibility.
are widening the channel to improve 4,500 TEU // LENGTH 290M BEAM 32M
access for longer and broader vessels. Increasing the sze of the channel will
allow Townsville to compete as a truly 1985 POST PANAMAX
Due to the existing size of the channel, global port, and enable it to attract larger
the Townsville Port is limited to accepting vessels carrying more cargo, as well as 8,000 TEU // LENGTH 300M BEAM 40M
ships up to 238 metres in length. This larger cruise ships.
means that some vessels cannot access 1995 POST PANAMAX PLUS
our port, and trade bypasses Townsville Larger ships (especially container
and heads to other Australian ports. If vessels) create better economies of 14,000 TEU // LENGTH 370M BEAM 43M
the cargo being imported is destined scale, which will ultimately make it
for North Queensland, it must then be cheaper to import and exports goods out Today TRIPLE E
transported back to our region via road or of Northern Australia.
rail transport.

18,000 TEU // LENGTH 399M BEAM 59M

www.townsvilleportexpansion.com.au +61 7 4781 1500 [email protected]

FACT SHEET 1 What works are involved and when?

PROJECT Port of Townsville Limited submitted an Additional Environmental Impact Statement
OVERVIEW (AEIS) to regulatory authorities in October 2016 for approval of the Townsville Port
Expansion Project including channel works and berth construction. When approvals are
More Berths received, it is anticipated that the project will take place in three stages. Construction
works are dependent on completion of funding arrangements related to demand. Initial
The Port of Townsville currently has works to widen the channel could commence by late 2017.
eight operational berths.
Projected increases in volumes Environmental Management
of commercial shipping, military
vessels and cruise ships will drive a The project will be carried out under the guidance of an Oversight Panel as well
requirement for new berths beyond the as Environmental Management Plans (EMP) which set out strict controls and
year 2020. safeguards to protect local port communities along with the natural land and marine
The time it takes to obtain development environments. It considers matters such as flora and fauna, noise and vibration,
approvals and undertake development marine ecology, visual amenity and waste management. The appropriate permits and
of port infrastructure to cater for trades approvals will govern channel capacity improvements.
is very long; in fact this can take up to
ten years. Therefore it’s vital that the How will the community be kept Informed?
Port of Townsville seeks approvals now
for planned needs over the next decade, The Port of Townsville’s Community Liaison Group, which will meet monthly from
to ensure it is ready to accommodate February 2017, will receive updates on and provide input into the Port Expansion Project.
future investors and trade partners. Quarterly project updates will also be published on our website, social media channels,
and the Townsville Port Communtiy e-Newsletter.
Project Stages

STAGE 1 STAGE 2 STAGE 3
Channel Widening Swing basin and berths Swing basin and berths

Widening of the channel from 92 metres to Construction of up to three berths. Deepening of the channel.
135 metres (at entrance) to 180 metres at Swing basin construction in the Outer Construction of up to two berths.
entrance to 135 metres for Platypus Channel Harbour.
tapering to 120 metres at sea channel. Time frame:
Dredge material to be beneficially re-used Time frame:
and placed at the Port’s new reclamation Five years from commencement
area. Includes construction of Berth 12. Five years from commencement
Project value:
Time frame: Project value:
Approximately $500 million
Start 2017 – estimated completion in 2022 Approximately $500 million
Jobs created:
Project value: Jobs created:
Approximately 200
Approximately $520 million over five years Approximately 200

Jobs created:

Approximately 175

www.townsvilleportexpansion.com.au +61 7 4781 1500 [email protected]