PLANS to revitalise Australia’s second largest shipyard in Brisbane’s Morningside are due to receive $2.5 billion under a ‘prescribed project’ announced by the Queensland state government on Thursday.
The Cairncross Dockyard Brisbane Project would turn the site into a world-class ship sustainment hub, providing critical infrastructure and significant economic, industrial, and workforce benefits the state.
Works include the construction of a large-scale graving dock, a 6,000-tonne hydraulic chain jack vertical ship lift, a 1,200-tonne crawler crane, new and expanded wharves, and critical power and water infrastructure.
Cairncross Dockyard Brisbane managing director Ben Quin said the company was enthusiastic about collaborating with the state government.
“Our project will create significant opportunities for local businesses and workers, while also advancing workforce development through partnerships with TAFE Queensland and academic institutions,” he said.
Once complete, the facility will be equipped to perform on-water and out-of-water vessel maintenance, ensuring vessels are ready to meet operational challenges.
“The Cairncross Dockyard Brisbane Project has already attracted attention from key stakeholders, both domestically and internationally, including from Australia, the United States, Japan, and South Korea, further highlighting its potential as a strategic maritime hub,” Mr Quin said.
Located on the Brisbane River, the Cairncross Dockyard has been an essential part of Queensland’s maritime industry since its establishment in 1942 to support naval operations during World War II.
Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations, Jarrod Bleijie, said the project would assist with meeting the needs of the Australian Defence Force.
“This state-of-the-art project will strengthen Queensland’s role in advanced manufacturing and maritime sustainment,” he said.
The project is expected to deliver more than 1,000 direct jobs through the shipyard, and thousands more indirectly through various industries.
Queensland Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan commended the prescribed project declaration, emphasising the role of the Office of the Coordinator-General in facilitating timely approvals while maintaining environmental and social considerations.
“The prescribed project declaration is a vital step in ensuring this project progresses efficiently,” he said.
“The role of the Office of the Coordinator General is to facilitate timely approvals without compromising environmental or social considerations, and we will work closely with the proponent and other stakeholders to deliver this significant infrastructure for Queensland.”