CAR CARRIERS DRIVE PORT
A RECORD number of cars have been imported into Townsville since the start of the financial year.
More than 4500 motor vehicles have arrived through the Townsville Port since July 1, an increase of 40 per cent on the same period last year.
Seventeen car carriers have come into the port so far this financial year, including one that arrived yesterday afternoon.
Port of Townsville Limited’s acting general manager business development Maria James said that the import numbers for motor vehicles was a great sign of a recovering local economy.
“July was the busiest shipping month at the Townsville Port since February 2016, showing definite signs of an improving trade outlook for the region,” Ms James said.
“Car carriers that visit Townsville import passenger cars, trucks, buses, forklifts and tractors from Korea and Japan.
“The Port of Townsville facilitates the supply of motor vehicles to a population catchment of nearly 800,000 people from as far south as Rockhampton, west to Mount Isa and north to Cairns.”
Ms James said increasing business confidence was one of factors behind the increase.
She said the car makes also said something about the region’s economy.
“I think a lot of the Asian brands are proving popular ... people are looking for those family cars rather than luxurious she said.
Ms James said the port’s channel widening project was vital to ensure the numbers of vehicles being imported could increase even more in European makes,” years to come. “The Channel Capacity Upgrade Project, pending environmental approvals due by the end of October from the federal regulator, will kick off next year and ensure that Townsville Port can con- tinue to supply our region with the various motor vehicles it needs — instead of sending them by road and rail from Brisbane,” she said.
“It’s critical because car carriers are getting bigger and bigger and if they can’t get in here then they will bypass us.
“When we want a car it will be freighted from Brisbane and that cost will be passed on to local mums and dads.”