New Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility gets green light

The Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility (CUF) is now fully funded following an additional $30 million investment from the Queensland Government. 

The $360 million CUF project will deliver a 5,000-tonne shiplift that will enable vessels of up to 120 metres in length to be repaired and maintained on three hardstand areas as well as state-of-the-art facilities including two climate-controlled sheds with a capacity for 24-hour operation of vessel blasting and painting. 

A Self-Propelled Modular Transporter (SPMT) is going to be an integral part of the new facility. It is a platform heavy hauler featuring a large array of wheels that can be positioned in any direction to allow large vessels to be manoeuvred from the shiplift to the sheds and the three hardstand areas. 

The project will also deliver more capacity for wet berths, allowing additional in-water maintenance to be carried out. 

The new $30 million investment from the State Government completes project funding requirements in line with the detailed Business Case recommendations. It also follows the confirmation from the Australian Government to match the funding for the project in the recent Federal Budget. 

“An additional $30 million for the Cairns Marine Precinct is the final piece of the puzzle to deliver the new shiplift for Cairns. 

“The new Common User Facility will mean more and larger ships can be repaired, overhauled or maintained in the far north. 

“As a location, Cairns is already the leading region for marine and defence maintenance, and this expansion adds to its importance in delivering for these industries,” Treasurer Cameron Dick said. 

In May of this year, the Queensland Government has also announced $27 million for road upgrades and a bridge that will provide shipyards direct access to the Cairns Marine Precinct’s CUP. A $12 million funding will also be allocated to establish a fund to revamp facilities at local shipyards. 

It is estimated that the construction of the new wharves, road and service upgrades as well as the common user facility will create more than 400 direct jobs and around 1,000 jobs through flow-on effects throughout the local economy. 

Over the coming years, over 4,600 local jobs are going to be supported through projects in the marine industry and across related supply chains. 

“This major expansion to the Cairns Marine Precinct will undoubtedly capture more and larger maritime and defence contracts, boosting the local economy and jobs. 

“A project that meets demand, attracts contracts, and supports more than 4,600 jobs is a big win for Cairns. 

“Since the detailed business case was completed, important work has continued including site testing and progressing development approvals, as well as development of the delivery model and construction timeline. 

“The Federal Government’s further investment is very welcome, and coupled with our additional funding, will ensure the CUF is a world-leader in its field,” Cairns MP Michael Healy said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning