Townsville Cruise Terminal Transformation Supports Local Economy

Port of Townsville’s Quayside Terminal is undergoing a $5.9 million transformation ahead of a record-breaking cruise season, which will see thousands of passengers and crew inject almost $10 million into the local economy.

Contractor McMahon Services is delivering the package which is providing employment opportunities for local workers and suppliers throughout the construction phase.

Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby said the Quayside works were necessary to cater for an influx of passengers that will visit Townsville in the 2024/25 cruise season, with Large Class cruise vessels able to access the Port for the first time.

“The $251 million Channel Upgrade project, which has widened the shipping channel from 90m to 180m at the inshore end is nearing completion, which will allow vessels up to 300m long to access the Port, instead of by-passing Townsville,” Ms Crosby said.

“These ships can carry upwards of 3000 passengers, almost triple the number on any one ship that we’ve usually accommodated to date.

“To ensure a seamless experience from ship to shore, Quayside Terminal’s bus and taxi rank will be expanded and a dedicated kiss’n’ride drop of zone will be established.”

McMahon Services is expanding the bus zone to accommodate 12 coaches, rejuvenate the taxi rank and passenger drop off areas and modify the Breezeway to include shade structures, seating and landscaping.

McMahon Services General Manager Queensland Chris Bassa said their business has been part of the local market in Townsville for the last 10 years and was committed to supporting the economic growth of the region.

Mr Bassa said McMahon Services’ partnership with Intract Australia, an Indigenous owned and operated business with 98% Indigenous employment, would provide opportunities for First Nations peoples to work on the Quayside Terminal project.

“The project is directly supporting 11 full time equivalent positions, including staff from Intract Australia, with additional employment opportunities created with subcontractors, of which we are using 100% local trades and suppliers,” Mr Bassa said.

“We are committed to delivering this project for the benefit of the local community which we have been part of for 10 years, to ensure cruise operators continue to visit Townsville with the upgraded facility.”

Works commenced in early July and be complete ahead of the arrival of Silver Muse on 3 November, 2024, the first cruise ship for the 2024/25 season. Work will take place during daylight hours from Monday to Saturday.

As part of the Port’s commitment to sustainability, Ms Crosby said an additional $3 million has been injected into renewable energy projects at the Terminal.

HE Solutions has recently installed 430 solar panels and 60 battery banks on the roof at Quayside Terminal, which are predicted to produce 279MWh of electricity annually, which equates to 10 per cent of the Port’s annual electricity consumption.