Tender interest closed for massive Bowen port
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited (NQBP) is finalising planning for the development of a man-made reclaimed harbour at the Port of Abbot Point.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) to tender for the Design and Construction of the Abbot Point Multi Cargo Facility - Stage 1 closed Friday of last week.
The Abbot Point Multi Cargo Facility (MCF) involves dredging and reclamation to create a sheltered man-made harbour. When completed, the MCF will create up to 12 shipping berths, all Capesize capable if necessary with the project providing 320 hectares of adjoining reclaimed area, a shipping access channel and a tug harbour for the port.
The works will include major activities such as the establishment of quarries for construction of armoured bund walls of approximately 13km in length.
Formal EOI was released on November 29, and closed on January 14 with the ECI process expected to commence in March 2011. Documents were available to prospective contractors following the completion of a confidentiality deed.
Proponents say the Abbot Point facility is a strategic asset to Queensland due to the large tracts of land available for industrial development, its remote location and access to deep water.
Capesize ships
To travel between oceans, these ships have to pass either the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn. In effect Capesize reads as "unlimited" with their large size and deep draft mean that only the largest deep water terminals can accommodate them.
Sailability meets
Sailability Whitsunday is a local branch of an international organisation facilitating sailing for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
The local group has incorporated with Sailiability Queensland and is calling for help and volunteers to attend a meeting on Thursday, January 20 at 6 pm at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
Spokesperson Bruce Carter says they have had assistance from the state organisation to set up the group and now wants the community to get behind it.
"The organization's purpose is to facilitate sailing for everyone, regardless of age or ability with emphasis on opportunities for people with disabilities". Mr Carter told The Guardian.
Police warn on toys
Police have warned that inflatable adult toys are "not recognised flotation devices" following a dramatic rescue from the flood-swollen Yarra River this week.
Police and a State Emergency Services crew were called to the rescue when the woman and a man, both 19, struck trouble during their wild ride in the turbulent water near Warrandyte North.
The incident prompted a warning from police that blow-up adult toys are "not recognised flotation devices''.
Police and the SES crew hauled the water-logged thrill seekers to safety.
"We've got people busy with rescues and to have to divert resources to that sort of thing is not ideal," said Senior Constable Wayne Wilson
"Most rescue organisations would frown on people behaving in such a manner because there are people out there who are in genuine need of assistance," he said.
The rescued pair were checked by ambulance officers but did not require medical attention.
"The fate of the inflatable dolls is unknown," said Senior Constable Wilson.
Personal flotation devices made to the new Australian Standard AS 4758 are now sold and should be worn around the country said a spokesperson for the National Marine Safety Committee.
Coral Sea debris
Mariners are advised that a concrete pontoon has been reported drifting north in the Coral Sea off the Sunshine coast. It is likely the pontoon is part of the extensive debris from recent flood events. At the time it was sighted on Jan 17, the structure was inverted with about three metres protruding from the surface of the water. The length of the pontoon could not be determined.
Mariners are urged to navigate with extreme caution along the Queensland coast following the flood events and keep a careful look-out for floating debris and other potential hazards to navigation.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
