The State Government funds come after constant lobbying from Member for Mount Isa Rob Katter calling for the Minister to step in and commit to the upkeep of this essential piece of Gulf infrastructure. 

Mr Katter has led discussions on the issue of dredging the Port of Karumba, asking three questions in Parliament in the past 12 months, including one to the Premier at the most recent Parliament sitting.

“We thank Ports Minister Mark Bailey for this welcome announcement and are proud to have delivered this important boost for the Gulf,” he said.

“Without the Port of Karumba being dredged, it really was a crisis situation facing the Gulf with the loss of jobs and economic activity because of limited access for vessels.”

He said it would have been likely that two long-standing businesses would’ve left the Gulf if a solution hadn’t been reached.

“We can now move forward and continue to develop trade at the Port of Karumba through the expansion of live cattle export and opening up development opportunities for other industries.

“This is a great sign for the development of the Gulf, as well as industry and investor confidence.”

With global miner MMG no longer dredging the channel due to ceasing production at Century Mine, Mr Katter pushed the Government for an alternative.

“This is not only a win for the economic powerhouse that is Karumba, but for much of the Gulf, as the flow-effects from not dredging the port would’ve been drastic.

“It’s fair and equitable that the Government has committed to dredging the channel given that Century Mine would’ve contributed approximately $800m through royalties, taxes and ports charges during its 16-year mine life.

“The Port of Karumba also has wide-ranging benefits – not only does it avoid the Great Barrier Reef but also cuts costs for exporters to South East Asia with two days less transport.

“This is a very welcome and important step towards aspirations to develop the North.”