A Marine Industry Precinct expansion at the Port of Bundaberg which will boost the local economy and create jobs has been supported by Bundaberg Regional Council.
The Pacific Marine Base Bundaberg Pty Ltd development relates to a Material Change of Use for a commercial wharf in stage one, with the second stage incorporating an oversize overmass cargo facility.
At today’s Ordinary Meeting Bundaberg Regional Council approved a Project of Regional Significance (PORS) infrastructure charges discount for the Break Bulk Shipping Terminal (BBST) project at 141 Buss Street, Burnett Heads.
The major shipping facility, which has already been assessed and approved by Gladstone Ports Corporation, will serve a diverse range of markets including mining, agriculture, defence, renewables, as well as domestic and international trade.
According to its application, the development will ease congestion at busy Queensland ports like Brisbane and Gladstone and will position Bundaberg as a vital hub for handling oversized and heavy cargo.
Pacific Marine Base Bundaberg Pty Ltd (PMBB), the company behind the development, has estimated the project would cost between $35 million and $40 million to deliver and directly employ between 40 to 50 local full-time staff once operational.
Under Council’s PORS scheme, projects valued at $15 million or more or those creating at least 50 direct local jobs, are eligible for significant infrastructure charge discounts.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the shipping facility would be a gamechanger for the region.
“This project will open new trade routes, support key industries and create well-paid jobs in our community,” she said.
“We’re proud to support initiatives that will grow our region.”
According to Pacific Marine Base Bundaberg Pty Ltd, the project will bring many opportunities to Bundaberg, including:
Stage 1 Wharf
• Cargo barging to support the Pacific Islands
• A hub for land-based logistics
• Project support including solar and hydrogen farms
• Disaster and recovery support
• Niche shipping line opportunities for smaller ships directly servicing the Pacific.
Stage 2 BBST
The BBST has the opportunity to become a key trading gateway for Queensland and will feature:
• 200 m long wharf; an extension of the commercial wharf.
• Berth pocket at -9.5 LAT
• Biosecurity first point of entry
• 45,800 square metres of hard stand with the capacity to extend to 130,000m²
• Accommodate ships up to 190m LOA
• Office, stevedore and project facilities
• Extreme loading capacity – substantially higher than most Qld ports.
As part of the PORS application approval, Council has set a condition that the development must be completed by 30 September 2028.
The three-year timeframe has been set to ensure that tangible benefits can be realised in the short term.
The project will receive 100% off the applicable infrastructure charges subject to adhering to the conditions which is a reduction in infrastructure charges of $323,712.58.
What is the Projects of Regional Significance incentive program?
Bundaberg Regional Council has developed the incentive to facilitate development of regionally important projects that involve significant job creation and investment in building construction work.
Eligible projects can apply to receive a discount of up to 100% off levied infrastructure charges.
Infrastructure charges are development fees levied by local government in Queensland to offset the demand that new development places on public infrastructure.
Infrastructure charges support the expansion of the local governments infrastructure network, including roads and drainage systems, water and sewer networks, and parks and open space areas.
This targeted incentive sees Council forfeit revenue from a normally levied infrastructure charge, rather than making a payment to the successful applicant.
How much do development incentives cost ratepayers?
Development incentives are not funds paid to developers by Council, rather it is potential infrastructure charges revenue forgone.
Council can support the region by encouraging projects which address the needs of the community through these reductions in project costs.
If the development does not proceed, and therefore the potential benefit to the community is not realised, then no incentive is applicable.
Other PORS-related developments include:
