Development approval has been granted for Pacific Tug Group to develop a marine industry site at the Port of Bundaberg.

The project would employ hundreds of people during construction and almost 100 people once fully developed, said Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad.

The facility would give Bundaberg a unique advantage when it came to competing in Queensland’s growing marine industries, Ms Trad said.

“Bundaberg has two unparalleled advantages,” Ms Trad said.

“The Port of Bundaberg faces a much lower risk of cyclone activity than ports further north, and secondly it is the most northerly port outside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

“That gives the Port of Bundaberg and Pacific Tugs a real advantage when it comes to attracting heavy commercial and naval contracts for repair and maintenance.”

The marine industry facility has been supported by approvals from the owner of the Port of Bundaberg, Gladstone Ports Corporation, and by a six million dollar Federal Government grant.

The port was well positioned to capitalise on the Wide Bay Burnett region’s agricultural production, with fast-growing Asian economies expected to compete aggressively for Australian products in the coming decades, said Minister for Transport Mark Bailey.

“There is scope to develop more tourism through the Port of Bundaberg too.

“Having marine facilities extending existing services will make Bundaberg’s port a more attractive proposition for businesses wanting a part of those growing industries and trade opportunities.”

The process to get the right proposal for the site was worth the wait, said Pacific Tug Group CEO Chris Peters.

“Getting to this point has not been without its challenges, but the continued support of local, state and federal bodies has given us the confidence to stay the course,” Mr Peters said.