Local contractor Berajondo Earthmoving and Haulage has been awarded a contract to upgrade roads within the Port of Bundaberg to develop a heavy vehicle route.
The more than $5 million project, coordinated by Bundaberg Regional Council and funded by the Federal Government and Gladstone Ports Corporation, will see Buss and Newman Streets upgraded and realigned.
Together with upgrades to the intersection of Buss and Powers Streets these works will create a designated heavy vehicle route.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said it was pleasing to see the level of support and interest in this important project which would ensure the Port of Bundaberg had the capacity to cater to future development.
“Following investment from companies like Knauf and Altus Renewables we are already seeing an increased number of heavy vehicle movements in the area,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“Recognising the need for an upgrade to support further development, Council was able to take control of this road and secure Federal Government funding for its upgrade.
“Many businesses from the surrounding area joined Council in providing their support for this funding application demonstrating the interest and need for increased capacity and ease of access to the port.
“As we look to attract more interest in commercial developments within our vastly underutilised port area it’s important to ensure the infrastructure required to cater to this future demand is already in place.”
He said Council had worked collaboratively with Gladstone Ports Corporation on the design which would create an alternative heavy vehicle access to Wharf Drive.
With work expected to be underway in early December, GPC Acting CEO Craig Walker said they would address existing access limitations for heavy vehicles into the port, as well as improve drainage in the area.
“Improving vehicle access to the port is essential for its future development,” Mr Walker said.
“The planned drainage works also ensure existing vacant port land is readily available for new port industry development in the future.
“We expect the works to commence in early December, with minimal disruptions to local traffic.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the project would see all levels of government working together to improve safety and support future development opportunities at Bundaberg’s port.
“Every level of government, as well as a local business employing local workers, has a hand in making sure we improve the road connections to accommodate growth and future transport demands in the port development area,” Mr Bailey said.
Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Coalition Government was investing in the future of the Port of Bundaberg with $2.5 million in funding for this project.
“I’m pleased to see this upgrade get underway and the work go to a locally owned and operated business, which means the money will be spent in our local community,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing more opportunities at the Port of Bundaberg open up with this heavy vehicle access upgrade completed and made safer for all users in the region.”
It is anticipated that the upgrade works will be completed by July 2020.
Gladstone Ports Corporation will contribute to the road and drainage upgrades, with the remaining funds to be provided through the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
