SINCE late February, about $3.6 million worth of works have been carried out on the Bowen Wharf, which has seen parts of the aged timber structure repaired or replaced.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation chief Nicolas Fertin commended the project team for their commitment to delivering the project.
“Overall, the project has been a success, but it certainly hasn’t been without its challenges, with additional work needing to be completed as sections of timber were lifted on the wharf.
“Given its age, and the fact that the operational use of the wharf has reduced considerably over the years, the lessons learned from this project will help us plan for the wharf’s future.”
Mr Fertin also acknowledged the community’s support during the works.
“Due to the nature of the works, and in the interest of safety, we needed to temporarily close the wharf to the public at times throughout the works.
“We know the wharf’s a popular spot for fishing and other recreational activities, so we thank the community for their patience and understanding during these periods.”
Additional minor works will be carried out under the wharf in future weeks when tidal conditions permit, however this will not impact public access.
The repair works involved the replacement of the worst wooden components including 66 timber girders, 12 corbels, 99 beams, 500 square metres of bridge decking ply and more than half a kilometre of timber deck planks.
Minister for transport, Mark Bailey, said, “The repairs will ensure the wharf remains available to the public and continues to provide temporary towage infrastructure for Abbot Point’s towage operations.
“Local content was a top priority for this project. Principal contractor Wisely delivered on this expectation with 23 North Queensland jobs created at the peak of the project, 17 of which were filled by persons from the Whitsunday region.
“The project also included 13 employees who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.”
