THE RG Tanna Coal Terminal at Gladsone is marking 40 years of service, having been officially opened on 7 May 1980, by Sir James McNeill, chairman of BHP and the honourable Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Premier of Queensland.
Gladstone Ports Corporation acting CEO Craig Walker said the Clinton Coal Facility had already seen its first shipment leave the wharf just over two weeks prior to the official opening.
“The first shipment was loaded on Sunday 20 April 1980, aboard the MV Iron Capricorn who sailed with 26,196 tonnes destined for Port Pirie in South Australia,” Mr Walker said.
“It was later in 1994, that the terminal was named after the much loved and respected Mr Reg Tanna, for his outstanding visionary leadership.
“Reg was integral in the establishment and expansion of the facility and in the planning and execution of the harbour deepening project, which dramatically increased our exporting capacity, opening up Gladstone to the world.”
The terminal has seen two major expansions since that time, allowing it to increase trade throughput and become one of Queensland’s largest coal exporters and Australia’s premiere multi-commodity port.
“It is an honour to be part of GPC today as we celebrate this major milestone, I know every member of the GPC family will feel a sense of pride in not only the organisation, but in our history and journey to date,” Mr Walker said.
Bulk handling manager Robert Torrisi said he was extremely proud to put on the GPC uniform, an unwavering symbol in the community for prosperity and growth.
“I want to sincerely thank not only our staff today, but the wider Gladstone community for their support of our operations over the 40 years,” Mr Torrisi said.
“RG Tanna Coal Terminal has seen major growth since its inception in 1980, with a compliment of 84 stockpiles, 23 D11 dozers, a four-berth wharf and to top it off we run 365 days a year.
“With such a significant milestone it’s a shame we can’t celebrate in person how we would have liked, especially with our retirees but know we are thinking of them.
“Our role to play now is to keep up the good work of those who came before us and continue as the best coal blending facility.”
Port Central Superintendent Brad Hill shares his anniversary year with the terminal, reaching 40 years’ service in 2020.
“My fondest memory was and still is the people that l was fortunate enough to have worked with,” Mr Hill said.
“From Reg Tanna right down to the people on the ground, there has always been a special camaraderie amongst the workforce.”
