DREDGING TO BOOST PORT CAPACITY
Larger ships will be able to use the Port of Weipa later this year, after major work is undertaken to widen the busy port's south channel.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Paul Lucas said Ports Corporation of Queensland (PCQ) would spend $27 million to widen and deepen the channel to prepare for future expansion at the port.
Mr Lucas said PCQ consulted the local community, along with relevant federal and state government agencies.
"They also developed a Cultural Heritage Management Plan after discussions with traditional owners," Mr Lucas said.
Maritime Safety Queensland worked alongside the Ports Corporation and bauxite miner Comalco to determine the best channel design to take on the big post-Panamax ships that are due to start using the port late next year.
Member for Cook, Jason O'Brien said the busy port looked set to get even busier when the dredging work was completed.
"And that's great for the local economy, and indeed the state's economy," he said.
Mr O'Brien said the need to boost capacity in the channel came about through Comalco's decision to develop its alumina refinery in Gladstone which would require increased bauxite from Weipa.
In 2004/05, Comalco exported 15.5 million tonnes of bauxite from Weipa.
"The bauxite industry is booming in Weipa and that means more jobs for the local community," Mr O'Brien said.
About two million cubic metres of material will be extracted and deposited at a designated material relocation site at Albatross Bay.
Maritime Safety Queensland will relocate a navigational aid to accommodate the widening of the channel.
"The channel in Weipa has been regularly dredged for about 40 years. It's carried out regularly to provide safe access for shipping," Mr O'Brien said.
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