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$1.25bn Queensland port given the go ahead

The Australian federal government has approved an expansion project for Townsville Port on Queensland’s northeastern coast.

The first stage of the 30-year US$1.25bn scheme will involve the widening of the port’s channel. This will begin in the next two months.

Ranee Crosby, Port of Townsville’s chief executive, said: "After nearly 10 years in the planning phase, our team is looking forward to getting works under way to widen the shipping channels into the Townsville.

"The environmental impact statement was a very rigorous review and project assessment, so we are delighted to have now received the go-ahead for the project from both the Queensland coordinator general and the federal government.

"Bigger ships coming to Townsville will mean lower shipping costs for freight, better connectivity to global trade markets, as well as allowing larger cruise ships to visit the city, which will further boost cruise tourism in the region.

"We are working closely with the Queensland and federal governments on final funding arrangements so we can get this project under way, creating local jobs, and continuing to work in close partnership with the local community to deliver best practice environmental outcomes."

Read more about the project here.

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