Wharf shed upgrades at Port of Thursday Island

More than $1 million will be spent upgrading the Cargo Shed at Main Wharf on Thursday Island to improve infrastructure at the port.

The contract for the works, expected to be carried out over the next three months, has been awarded to local company Matt Birney Builders.

“We congratulate the company, which has a base on Thursday Island and engages local employees to carry out building construction works - an important consideration when assessing tenders,” Ports North Chairman Russell Beer said.

Ports North owns and maintains the building located on the hardstand of Main Wharf at the intersection of Victoria Parade and Jetty Street, Thursday Island. The Cargo Shed was constructed in 1975 and then extended to the north in 1983.

“As part of our commitment to the ongoing maintenance and operations at Far North Queensland regional ports, we are investing in this upgrade to improve infrastructure for the delivery of cargo to and from Thursday Island,” Mr Beer said. “The upgrade will also enhance the operating conditions for Ports North tenants, Sea Swift.

The works will involve re-sheeting the entire shed, replacing or repairing any structural framing and applying protective paint coatings. This will require some reorganisation of offices and operations on site for Ports North and Sea Swift facilities.

“Sea Swift delivers a critical service to local business and the general public of Thursday Island and will continue to operate from temporary offices and a covered area in the cargo yard to ensure the public can still public pick up and deliver freight,” Mr Beer said.  

“However, it will have to transfer its larger cargo handling to Horn Island for the duration of the works.”

“We ask the community and port users for patience and cooperation while this important and beneficial upgrade is undertaken.”