Port of Mourilyan continues to shine as Far North’s trade hub

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

A commercial agreement between Ports North and United Petroleum could see fuel being imported, stored and distributed through the Port of Mourilyan near Innisfail.

Acting Premier and Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the deal could see a regional fuel importation, storage and distribution facility developed at the Port of Mourilyan by 2020.

“United Petroleum have expressed interest in the development of a regional fuel facility in Far North Queensland to service the market from Airlie Beach north and west to Mt Isa,” Mr Pitt said.

“This is a very significant trade opportunity for the region that would provide a huge boost to the Innisfail economy and to wider Far North Queensland.

“The development would also expand United’s capability to store and distribute fuel, which will lead to a more reliable supply and better priced fuel for north Queensland.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring the Port of Mourilyan continues to develop infrastructure to facilitate projects such as the United Petroleum fuel infrastructure development, which bring jobs and economic growth to the Far North Queensland region.”

Mr Pitt said a feasibility study was currently underway and the agreement to lease and project feasibility report and development approvals completed over the next twelve months.   

“Ports North will be working with United to complete all the preliminary planning and engineering assessment required to allow the development of the fuel terminal tank farm and wharf import facilities at the Port of Mourilyan. 

“This work will be completed as soon as possible to allow the lease to be finalised and development works to commence.”

Ports North Chair Russell Beer said the selection of Mourilyan as the preferred port of import for the northern fuel facility highlights the port’s potential as a trade hub for targeted, medium-sized bulk cargo into the future.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to work with United Petroleum to further expand the port and once again proves Ports North is a key economic driver for the region,” Mr Beer said.

Uniteds an independent Australian owned company specialising in fuel importation and distribution in both wholesale and retail fuel markets.

United Petroleum’s Chief Operating Officer David Szymczak said United welcomed the opportunity to work with Ports North and local stakeholders to explore the potential for the development of a regional fuel importation, storage and distribution facility at the Port.

“United is already offering customers premium quality fuels and competitive pricing across Australia. As a further commitment to the Queensland fuel industry and the jobs that come with it, United recently announced a reduction the retail price of our E10 fuel right across Queensland which we believe was another tangible show of our support for the Queensland Government’s vision for a sustainable biofuels sector,” Mr Szymczak said.

“Now, this opportunity to expand this operation and service into Far North Queensland is seen as a win-win for us and the community.”

A Memorandum of Understanding between Ports North and United Petroleum will see the parties work together over the next twelve months towards finalising the Project Feasibility Report and associated development approvals.

ENDS

Media contact:  Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484