$30m plan highlights Port of Mourilyan as Far North trade hub

Acting Premier and Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt said Ports North and United Petroleum would work together over the next 12 months to finalise a Project Feasibility Report and associated approvals for a fuel importation, storage and distribution facility at the Port of Mourilyan.

“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.

“They have identified the Port of Mourilyan as an ideal location for this future facility which could be up and running at the Port by 2020.

“I have been discussing this project with the parties involved since May last year so it is good to see this latest stage in the process come to fruition.

“The overall project investment is expected to be in excess of $30 million, so this is a very significant investment that will open new trade opportunities for the region while providing a huge boost to the Cassowary Coast economy and the wider Far North Queensland region. 

“The development will also expand United Petroleum’s capability to store and distribute fuel, which will lead to a more reliable supply and better priced fuel for motorists and business operators in our region. 

“This project is evidence of the Palaszczuk Governments commitment to ensuring our government-owned Ports are able to continue to expand and develop infrastructure to facilitate projects such as United Petroleum’s infrastructure development, to create jobs and stimulate economic growth around Innisfail and the Far North Queensland region.”

Ports Minister Mark Bailey said a feasibility study was currently underway for the facility at Mourilyan Port.

“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 and wharf import facilities,” he said. 

“This work will be completed as soon as possible.

“I’m proud to be able to help announce a project that could provide a significant economic boost for the Innisfail area and Far North Queensland more broadly.”

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.

United Petroleum is an independent Australian-owned company specialising in fuel importation and distribution in both wholesale and retail fuel markets.

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,” he said. 

“As a further commitment to the Queensland fuel industry and the jobs that come with it, United recently announced a reduction in 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. 

“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 12 months towards finalising the Project Feasibility Report and associated development approvals.