Construction works can now begin on infrastructure associate with the Cairns Shipping Development Project (CSDP), following the granting of an Operational Works Permit by the Queensland’s Cairns Regional Council.
The Shipping Development Standing Committee yesterday provided its final approval for the long-awaited project.
Commenting the latest release, Mayor of Cairns Regional Council, Bob Manning , said that all approvals for the construction of pipes and pumps to support dredging operations had now been granted: “ The approvals are in place for all of the infrastructure that is needed for dredging to occur. That includes the pump-out facility at Yorkeys Knob and an 8km pipeline to the storage facility on the Barron Delta.”
“It’s the final approval required from Council, but we will continue to oversee parts of the project and we’ll work closely with Ports North and the Queensland Government to bring this important project to fruition.”
Cr Manning also added that the CSDP was identified in the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision: “When completed, it will enable ships of up to 300 meters in length to dock at our port. T hat opens up a range of new opportunities to tap further into the cruising industry and will allow for future expansion of HMAS Cairns. We now look forward to seeing the project progress in a timely manner for the benefit of the Cairns region.”
RN Dredging Pty Ltd, the Australian subsidiary of Rohde Nielsen A/S, recently won the dredging and construction contract for the $127 million Cairns Shipping Development Project.
Under the agreement, the company will work alongside Hall Contracting, the largest Queensland-based dredging company, on this project.
The Queensland Government said that the dredging operations are expected occur over a 12-week period during the 2019 dry season, weather permitting.