The Queensland Government will invest more than $60 million in a new coal shiploader for the Port of Gladstone, which will create more than 200 construction jobs.
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the investment would safeguard the future of Queensland’s resources sector by supporting thousands of jobs in the decades to come.
“This investment will see the replacement of the oldest shiploader at the RG Tanna Coal Terminal, which has been operating for more than 40 years,” the Treasurer said.
“The new shiploader will secure the capacity of the RG Tanna terminal for another 25 years, ensuring this vital export port can continue to meet the needs of its customers.
“As the Port of Gladstone grows and diversifies to export the hydrogen electrolysers that Fortescue Future Industries will manufacture here, we know coal export will also be part of its future for decades to come.”
The RG Tanna Coal Terminal currently uses three shiploaders. The replacement machine will be built at Gladstone Ports Corporation’s Port Central Precinct and then transported a short distance to its new home for operation via a heavy lift ship.
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Water Glenn Butcher said design work is set to begin in March 2022, with commissioning scheduled for May 2024.
“We’re known as the port city, so it only makes sense that we invest in this industry, to make the coal export process as smooth as possible,” Mr Butcher continued.
“To be able to upgrade the coal shiploader and create hundreds of jobs is a win-win for the region and I congratulate the government in making the investment, which will inevitably benefit the multi-billion-dollar Queensland industry.”
Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett welcomed the new investment in local jobs.
“It’s investments like this from the Palaszczuk Government that will continue to deliver more local jobs, in more local industries, for more local families,” Mr Burnett said.
“Whether that be in a coal mine or loader, a manufacturing shop floor, a gas or oil pipeline, in new energy generation and transmission, or through the thousands of jobs coming in the hydrogen industry.”
