THE PORT of Burnie in Tasmania has seen its bulk loading capacity doubled through upgrades funded by the federal government, including installation of a new shiploader.
The government provided $82 million to fully fund the port’s new shiploader and expanded bulk minerals export facility, which officially opens today (22 October).
Located on the island state’s north west coast, Burnie is the largest cargo port in Tasmania, with the government expecting the upgrades to support a total of 500 jobs and boost the state’s economy.
As well as the new shiploader, the project sees installation of a new wharf gallery conveyor connecting the existing Bulk Minerals Export Facilitiy (BMEF) to rail and road networks, for the transfer of products to be exported.
The Commonwealth expects the upgrades will strengthen supply chains, reducing operating costs and increasing freight productivity.
The minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said replacing aging infrastructure at Burnie will dramatically boost ship loading rates, creating jobs across Tasmania.
“The vital upgrades will make port operations more reliable and cost effective, securing the State’s minerals export supply chain,” MP King said.
“Investments like these deliver on our commitment to building strong and sustainable regions through support for local industries.”
The old shiploader at the port was built in 1969 and had been operating for over 50 years on No.5 berth, necessitating the installation of a new structure.
The upgraded shiploader is now operational on the same berth and has so-far loaded over 40,000 tonnes of freight, the government says.
Expansion of the BMEF will be the final component of works to complete the upgrades, with planning “well underway”.
The project is reportedly creating over 140 direct and indirect jobs during construction and will support an estimated 425 ongoing jobs in related industries.
The Australian Government’s $82 million investment includes an extra $16 million from the 2024-25 Budget.
Senator for Tasmania Anne Urquhart commented that the official inauguration of the shiploader is testament to the importance of collaboration, with the opening marking the culmination of “many years of hard work and strong collaboration” between TasRail and the Australian Government.
TasRail CEO Steven Dietrich said the company is proud to have facilitated the project for the Tasmanian mining industry.
“Our facility at the Port of Burnie has been the primary export gateway for many of the West Coast mines for more than 50 years,” Mr Dietrich said.
“In the last financial year, TasRail shiploaded 575,047 thousand tonnes of concentrate for export.
“Our new shiploader provides certainty to TasRail’s existing customers and will help to attract investment into new mining projects in Tasmania.”
Mr Dietrich said TasRail thanks the Australian Government for its on-going support for rail infrastructure in Tasmania and all of the contractors and stakeholders who helped to ensure the project’s success.
