Call for expressions of interest – Abbot Point Port

EXPRESSIONS of interest have been called for construction work to expand the Abbot Point port.

Minister for State Development Anthony Lynham said construction and dredging works at the port would generate up to 155 jobs for about six months.

“We are calling for expressions of interest from suitably qualified companies to undertake the dredging works and construct the dredged material containment ponds required to expand the Port of Abbot Point,” he said.

“The great majority of this workforce is expected to be sourced locally and these workers will be housed in towns around Abbot Point, including Bowen, providing a much-needed economic boost to these communities.

“In the meantime, work is steadily progressing on the Environmental Impact Statement.”

Dr Lynham said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to a balanced approach to delivering vital infrastructure for Queensland’s economic future and protecting the environment, including the Great Barrier Reef.

“That’s why we canned the Newman Government’s plan to dump dredge spoil in the Caley Valley Wetlands and will instead place dredged material on unused industrial land next to the existing coal terminal,” he said.

“Tendering can be lengthy and detailed… we are kicking off the process now so we can be ready should we receive approval for the project.”

Dr Lynham said North Queensland Bulk Ports would engage a contractor once all approvals were obtained, including from the Commonwealth Government on the EIS.

Abbot Point, 25km north of Bowen, currently had a capacity of 50 million tonnes per annum.

The proposed expansion will increase capacity by 70 million tonnes a year to cater for additional coal from the Galilee basin, including Adani Mining’s proposed Carmichael Mine.

The EOI closes on July 13. Short listed contractors will then be invited to tender with a view to having a contractor well within the second half of 2015.