A goal will be a new shipping service between Townsville and Brisbane crewed by local seafarers, as disclosed by Mark Bailey, Transport and Main Roads Minister.

Furthermore, the government said it would invest in improving port infrastructure and ensuring that ports remain publicly owned.

$1 million will also be set aside for training, providing Queenslanders with opportunities to join the industry or increase their skills.

The announcement was welcomed by the Australian Maritime Union (MUA) as a crucial move towards generating local employment and improving supply chains.

“This investment in the ‘blue highway’ along Queensland’s coast will not only create jobs for local seafarers, it will strengthen the maritime supply chains that are vital for keeping the state’s economy ticking and delivering essential goods to the community,” stated Stephen Cumberlidge, MUA Queensland Branch Secretary.

Maritime Business World