Jobs for Townsville as trade set to triple

The Port of Townsville is embarking on a recruitment drive for a number of roles across the organisation as it prepares for accelerated trade demand from the North Queensland region.

The Port’s workforce is expected to grow strongly with multidisciplinary positions sought across the business, including entry-level, professional, technical and administrative roles.

View the Port's current job vacancies here

The recruitment drive comes as the Port readies for three-fold trade growth by 2050 off the back of new projects in mining, manufacturing and renewables. 

Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby said attracting talent is central to the Port’s ability to deliver on its vision for the future.

“Townsville’s port is growing in every sense – we are well underway with the biggest port expansion in our near 160-year history, trade volumes crossing our berths each year are expected to triple by 2050 and demand for defence and cruise shipping capacity is rapidly increasing.

“In the coming years we are focused on continuing to deliver highly competitive services for our customers, drive improvements in sustainability across all areas of the business and build major new port infrastructure that will ensure our capacity to facilitate the trade demands of the future. 

“It is vital that we secure the breadth and depth of talented people needed to continue our sustainable growth, while servicing North Australia’s trade demand well into the future.”

Acting Premier Steven Miles said the Port of Townsville is the link between Queensland’s rich North West Minerals Province and the world.

“North Queensland’s growth potential is picking up at enormous pace as new projects in rare earth, critical minerals, renewable energy and tourism come to realisation because of the strong investment by this government.

“With trade volumes set to triple by 2050, we know there is confidence in the future of the Port.

“We have always backed good jobs for the people of Townsville, and now there are more opportunities for those looking to kick start their career in Townsville.”

Townsville Port will also welcome larger cargo, cruise ships and defence vessels from late 2024, following the completion of a channel widening project, which will allow vessels up to 300m long to access the port.

The Port's $251 million Channel Upgrade project is part of a broader $1.6 billion, 30-year expansion plan for the Port of Townsville.

P&O’s Pacific Encounter and Pacific Explorer are the first mega cruise liners scheduled to call at Townsville following the Channel Upgrade project. They will be the biggest cruise ships Townsville has ever seen, carrying more than 4,500 passengers and almost 2,000 crew between them. Further mega liner visits are scheduled for the 2025/26 cruise season.

Further information:

The Port of Townsville will advertise new positions over the coming months with all job openings advertised at https://www.townsville-port.com.au/corporate/working-with-us/