Major milestone in Townsville channel upgrade

The largest infrastructure project in the Port of Townsville’s history has reached a major milestone – completion of the $232 million Channel Upgrade project’s rock wall.

According to the Port’s officials, constructing the 2.2-kilometre rock wall is the first critical step in widening Townsville’s shipping channel to allow larger ships to access the Port instead of bypassing Townsville.

The material recovered as the dredging team starts to widen almost 15 kilometres of sea channels over the next two years will be used to reclaim the area behind the wall and support a 62-hectare expansion.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said that the channel upgrade was a key project under the Townsville City Deal.

“This is a major milestone in the channel upgrade project, which is not only the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken at the Port of Townsville, but will help position Townsville as the economic gateway to Asia and Northern Australia,” Minister Fletcher said.

“This project is one of many significant investments that we’re making through the City Deal, which is helping to generate local jobs, drive economic growth, and ensure that Townsville is a vibrant and liveable city for years to come.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Hon Mark Bailey MP, added that upgrading the port’s channels will support Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, unlocking capacity for commercial, defence and cruise ships up to 300 metres long.

Port of Townsville Chief Infrastructure Officer, Marissa Wise, said that seven local rock suppliers provided 900,000 tonnes of rock, with construction of the 10-metre-high wall requiring specialist knowledge.

“It was a complex project that called on the marine construction expertise of designers, engineers, environmental experts and contractors working together,” Ms Wise said.

“We have used a number of innovative design and construction techniques to ensure the rock wall withstands tidal action, storm surges, cyclones and rising sea levels.”

Dredging to widen Townsville’s 14.9-kilometre shipping channel will start shortly, with all dredge material to be placed in a 62-hectare reclamation area bounded by the rock wall.

Dredging program is expected to take two years, with the project set for completion in late 2023.

The Port has committed $17 million for environmental monitoring and management programs as part of the project, including those covering dolphins, turtles, seagrass, coral and shorebirds, with an Independent Technical Advisory Committee providing expert oversight.

The Channel Upgrade project is the largest infrastructure project in the Townsville Port’s history and is the first stage of the 30-year Port Expansion Project.

This program is a joint project of the Australian and Queensland governments, and Port of Townsville Limited, and forms part of the Townsville City Deal signed in December 2016.

• The shipping channel will be widened from 92 metres to 180 metres at the Port end, and taper to 120 metres at the seaward end;

• The wider shipping channel will allow vessels up to 300 metres to safely access the Port;

• Best practice dredging methods will ensure minimal environmental impact;

• All capital dredge material will be transported to land for beneficial reuse in a 62-hectare reclamation area, bounded by the rock wall;

• The area will allow the Port to expand its footprint in the future and ultimately pave the way for up to six new berths;

• Trade volumes through the Port of Townsville are expected to triple over the next 30 years.