Celebrations will be in full swing today, as Cunard's Queen Elizabeth becomes the largest cruise ship to ever navigate the newly widened Port of Townsville shipping channel.
The $251 million Channel Upgrade is the latest project delivered through a partnership with the Australian Government contributing $75 million, the Queensland Government contributing $105 million, and the Port of Townsville Limited contributing the remaining $71 million.
The widened channel is expected to open new tourism markets to the city with six large class cruise ships scheduled to dock in 2025, bringing the total number of cruise vessels to berth in the 2024/25 season to twenty-two, a record for Townsville. With each passenger spending an average of $200 per day exploring the region, it's a significant boost to the local economy.
The upgrades will also future proof the Townsville's maritime trade, which is estimated to triple in the next 30 years.
The arrival of the Queen Elizabeth caps off a two-year capital dredging project which nearly doubled the width of the shipping channel at the inshore (Port) end to cater for ships up to 300 metres in length.
The project included construction of a 2.2km rock wall, bounding a 62-hectare reclamation area which will pave the way for future port expansions, including room for six new berths and associated infrastructure.
The works, undertaken by Queensland company Hall Contracting, delivered 30,000 hours of training to local workers, including trainees, apprentices and university students. Employment for more than 2,000 people was supported throughout the entirety of the project.
In addition to the Channel Upgrade project, the Albanese Government has delivered big ticket investments which will position Townsville for success now and into the future, including the landmark Queensland Country Bank Stadium, and funding for the Reef HQ redevelopment.
