$50m port upgrade for Townsville

Federal defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon announced yesterday that the existing port facilities in Townsville would be upgraded ahead of the introduction into service of the navy’s landing helicopter dock ships in 2014.

The federal funding over the next four years will be used to upgrade unloading facilities for new naval heavy landing ships and to extend the port of Townsville’s berth 10 to accommodate Handymax size commercial ships.

“An extended berth 10 will also provide valuable berthing space for other visiting Royal Australian Navy and allied warships, enhancing the capacity of the port to support major exercises,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The enhanced wharf will not only benefit defence but all users of the port of Townsville.”

The upgrade will include extending berth 10 to about 230 metres and strengthening it to accommodate the movement of heavy-armoured vehicles and equipment, Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Port  of Townsville chief executive Barry Holden welcomed the Federal Government contribution.

“The berth is currently used by small coastal ships with Papua New Guinea trade,” Mr Holden said.

“A couple of our berths are at saturation level so the berth upgrade will provide us with greater flexibility.”