The Port of Townsville is set to expand, with the Federal Government committing to the $193 million Channel Capacity Upgrade Project.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison committed $75 million towards the project on a visit to Townsville in September. This is the final funding required for the project to go ahead, with the Queensland Government also committing $75 million and the remaining funding coming from the Port.
The project will widen the Port’s channel to allow for the berthing of ships over 300 metres. With larger ships now common in both the commercial and cruise industries, this project is vital to ensure continued growth of the Port and direct access to freight in North Queensland. It will allow not only for larger cargo and Defence ships, but also larger cruise ships, as Townsville’s cruise ship visitation continues to grow.
This the first stage of the $1.64 billion Townsville Port Expansion Project.