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Page last updated on 25-01-2022.
Project Schedule
Channel Upgrade Overview
The Channel Upgrade will be delivered over a period of six years from 2018 to 2023. Under the delivery schedule, it will create 120 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs in Townsville during construction and support 245 FTE jobs in Queensland.
The Channel Upgrade project is a joint project of the Queensland and Australian Governments and Port of Townsville Limited and forms part of the Townsville City Deal signed in December 2016.
Several principles were established to guide the procurement and delivery methodology for the project including:
- Minimise disruption to commercial shipping in the channel and harbour
- Maximise flexibility of works delivery for weather events (eg. cyclones) over the duration of construction
- Ensure construction works are aligned with environmental approvals and conditions across the Port Expansion Project
- Maximise whole of life asset cost
The Channel Upgrade project will take about five years in total. The first year will be preparation works, followed by rock supply and construction of the rock wall. Capital dredging for channel widening and filling of the reclamation area will complete the project.
Timeline:
- 2018: Environmental approvals received.
- April 2019: Rock haulage begins
- March 2020: Start of rock wall construction for the 62ha port reclamation area at the eastern end of the Port.
- June 2021: Completion of rock wall
- July 2021: Construction of a temporary unloading facility on the western bund begins
- Early 2022: Start of capital dredging to widen the shipping channel.
- Mid-project: Ships up to 265 metres will be able to safely access the Port.
- 2021 – 2023: Placement of 100% capital dredge material at the port reclamation area.
- 2023: Channel widening completed. Vessels of up to 300 metres in length will be able to safely access the Port.