Boost for marine precinct

Vital for regional security

Advance Cairns has called on the state government to match the federal government’s $30m budget top-up for the Cairns Marine Precinct common-user facility.

The additional funding, in Tuesday’s budget, bolsters the $150m the federal government has already committed.

The state government has also committed $150m to the project that advocacy organisation Advance Cairns has among its top priorities.

Advance Cairns is now calling on the state government to match the new money, bringing to $360m the total funds earmarked for what is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the region.

Advance Cairns chief executive Jacinta Reddan welcomed confirmation of a total $180m for the commonuser facility over the next five years.

“Given the CUF is jointly funded by federal and Queensland governments, we would expect to see this new money matched by the state,” she said.

“This is particularly pertinent just weeks after the release of the Defence Strategic Review that placed particular emphasis on hardening Australia’s north, with Cairns clearly playing a central role.”

Advance Cairns noted in its budget submission that the Cairns Marine Precinct business case, which was released by the state government in January 2022, highlighted that one in six vessels in Australia over 15m – and four in five North Queensland registered vessels – were serviced in Cairns.

“The business case also highlights the existing shipyards are at or near capacity and that future demand will not be met with current capabilities,” it stated.

Advance Cairns noted the Defence Strategic Review would ensure the Australian Defence Force was well positioned to meet security challenges “amid more aggressive posture” from China.

Senator Nita Green said the funding encompassed construction of a new common user facility with a 5000-tonne ship-lift, a 180m long wharf for in-water maintenance, two blast and paint sheds, and three hardstand areas for vessels up to 120-metres long for repairs and maintenance.

“The project is delivered over the next five years, with final commissioning expected in 2028,” Ms Green said.

The money in the budget comes after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced $39m for additional marine precinct works on Tuesday.