Cairns Marine Precinct upgrade funding confirmed

The Australian Government has confirmed AU$24 million (US$19 million) toward the upgrade of the Cairns Marine Precinct, which provides facilities and support services for the Australian Navy.

Agreements have now been signed with Norship Marine, BSE Cairns Slipways and Tropical Reef Shipyard with funding now to flow from the government to undertake a variety of works to increase the capability and capacity of the existing shipyards.

The projects will include over 170 metres of wharf construction, upgrades to electrical and fire systems, workshop construction, security systems, hardstand resurfacing and construction of an additional 135 metres of slipway rail.

This investment is in addition to the government’s AU$420 million investment to develop additional wharf space and other support facilities at HMAS Cairns.

While the government is investing in the upgrades, the works themselves will be managed by the shipyards involved.