2020 State Election Campaign

 
NWQROC State Election Campaign - Karumba Port.jpg

New management and operating model for the Karumba Port

WHAT WE SEEK:

a.  Funding for a feasibility study to assess the benefits and costs of transferring control of Karumba Port from Ports North to the Port of Townsville.

b.  The appointment of a Port of Townsville Board Director from the State’s North West region. 

HOW THIS WILL HELP THE NORTH WEST AND QUEENSLAND RECOVER:

The Port of Karumba has a long history of serving remote gulf communities since the late 1800s. Currently managed by Ports North, the Port of Karumba has huge potential to support the ongoing development of Northern Australia and create long term job opportunities through:

  • transshipment of commodities associated with the agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture industries

  • its proximity and links to the North West Minerals Province - a globally significant producer of copper, lead, zinc and silver, as well as phosphates and rare earths

  • growth in the export of live cattle, food, and fibre products – especially to South East Asia.

Given these opportunities, it is timely to evaluate the best management and operating model for the Port to ensure it can support industry development, export potential and job creation across the North West and Queensland into the future.

In addition, a Director on the Port of Townsville Board from the State’s North West would be a tangible demonstration of the economic linkage with Townsville, and provide a voice at the table with a direct appreciation of the region’s contribution to the port and the city.