The Australian government is providing AUD$24 million in funds for upgrades in the Cairns Marine Precinct.
Australian minister for defense industry Christopher Pyne said agreements have been signed with Norship Marine, BSE Cairns Slipways and Tropical Reef Shipyard to undertake a variety of works to increase the capability and capacity of the existing shipyards.
Minister Pyne said the projects will include over 170m of wharf construction, upgrades to electrical and fire systems, workshop construction, security systems, hardstand resurfacing and construction of an additional 135m of slipway rail.
“Cairns provides vital facilities and support services to the Australian Defence Force, and this upgrade work will mean they are well placed to keep doing so into the future” said Pyne.
“More than $400 million of maintenance work on the replacement fleet of up to 21 Pacific Patrol Boards will be conducted here,” he said.
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch added that the delivery of this commitment will ensure Cairns is well placed to secure additional maintenance and sustainment work for commercial customers and the Royal Australian Navy.
It was further noted that while the government is investing in the upgrades, the works themselves will be managed by the shipyards involved.