New Burnie shiploader will be a gamechanger for Tasmania

The successful commissioning of the new Burnie shiploader today is the culmination of several years of hard work and collaborative effort by the entire TasRail team, contractors and other key stakeholders.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the new facility, along with a raft of new investments in infrastructure as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, provides long-term certainty for the State’s valuable mining industry and supports local economic activity and employment.

“The North West Coast has long punched above its weight when it comes to our State’s GDP and the mining sector is a key part of this,” the Premier said.

“This new shiploader, able to load at almost double the rate of the old one, sends a strong signal that we are open for business and looking to grow opportunities in this sector.

“Strong involvement in the project from local construction, manufacturing and fabrication companies also highlights the region’s skills and should give businesses the confidence they need to invest further in North West Tasmania.

“The State continues to invest in TasRail and critical rail infrastructure through co-investment in the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program as well as the State-funded Below Rail Investment Contribution (BRIC).

“We will continue to support TasRail through these programs and acknowledge the impact they continue to have on improving supply-chain efficiencies for some of the State’s largest exporters.

“An investment in rail is an investment in Tasmania’s future and I’m proud to stand here today to participate in the official opening of the new shiploader.

“I know this investment will pay dividends for our great State, contributing to the economic growth that underpins the north-west and beyond.”