Qld Fast-Tracks $2.5bn Cairncross Shipyard Renewal

The $2.5-billion Cairncross Dockyard Brisbane redevelopment has been declared a prescribed project by the state.

The move clears the way for the overhaul of Australia’s second-largest shipyard and the creation of thousands of jobs, according to the government.

It said the decision was intended to accelerate approvals and unlock a major defence and maritime manufacturing hub on the Brisbane River.

Under the plan, the historic Morningside site would be transformed into a modern ship sustainment precinct, supported by new wharves, a large-scale graving dock, critical utilities, a 6000-tonne hydraulic chain-jack ship lift and a 1200-tonne crawler crane.

More than 1000 direct jobs are expected at the shipyard, with thousands more supported across advanced manufacturing, steel fabrication and logistics, the state said.

Established in 1942 to service naval operations during World War II, the dockyard has been largely dormant in recent years.

The government said the redevelopment would restore industrial capability and signal that Queensland was expanding its defence footprint, attracting investment.

The project is being led by Cairncross Dockyard Brisbane, a subsidiary of Texas Tea Queensland.

▲ A vessel enters the Cairncross dockyard in the 1940s.

Managing director Ben Quin said the proposal had already attracted interest from stakeholders in Australia and overseas, including the US, Japan and South Korea.

He said the redevelopment would create opportunities for Queensland businesses and support new training pathways through partnerships with TAFE Queensland and universities.

Queensland coordinator-general Gerard Coggan welcomed the prescribed project declaration and said his office would work with the proponent to ensure efficient approvals while meeting environmental and social obligations.

He said the designation would help progress one of Queensland’s most significant industrial infrastructure proposals.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the project would boost the state’s ability to service the Australian Defence Force, allied partners and commercial fleets and would strengthen Queensland’s position in advanced manufacturing and maritime sustainment.