Pinkeba Archives - Nundah News

Suminoe Oysters Pest Alert: Invasive Species Detected in Pinkenba & Surrounding SEQ Waterways

Biosecurity Queensland has discovered Suminoe oysters (Magallana ariakensis) in Moreton Bay and several Brisbane waterways, including Pinkenba and Kedron Brook. This marks the first known presence of the species in Australia.

The Suminoe oysters were first spotted in 2023, with its presence confirmed at locales such as Bribie Island, Boggy Creek, Kedron Brook and Pinkenba, near the Brisbane River’s mouth.

Impact and Characteristics

According to Michael Reid, Queensland’s acting chief biosecurity officer, the Suminoe oyster poses a significant threat to local ecosystems and industries. As a highly invasive species, it not only competes with indigenous oyster populations but can also displace native oysters, severely impacting commercial oyster culture.

This large rock oyster species is fast-growing and can be found in both submerged and floating structures, such as pylons and boats. It typically thrives in disturbed habitats, including shallow subtidal sites and the muddy creeks of warm estuaries, by fouling these structures.

The Queensland Oyster Growers Association, in collaboration with Biosecurity Queensland, is taking steps to mitigate potential impacts on both the environment and the oyster industry.

Although invasive species are present, the quality and supply of commercial oysters in Moreton Bay have not been affected. Oyster production in Queensland is considered safe for consumption.

However, invasive species can foul infrastructure and adapt to disturbed habitats, which highlights the importance of detecting and reporting them early to protect Queensland’s natural environment.

Community Call to Action

Mr Reid is urging the Queensland community, especially those who are involved in fishing, boating, and recreational water activities, to remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings of the Suminoe oyster to Biosecurity Queensland.

Watercraft owners are encouraged to thoroughly inspect, clean, and dry their equipment to prevent the spread of this species. The community’s compliance with these guidelines plays a vital role in protecting Queensland’s biosecurity and ensuring the safeguarding of its waterways and marine life.

Published 5-April-2024

Second Brisbane Cruise Liner Terminal in Pinkenba Planned as Demand Surges

Queensland’s cruise industry is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, and plans to fast-track the development of a second Brisbane Cruise Liner Terminal in Pinkenba are now in the works to meet the burgeoning demand.

After languishing as a ghost town during the pandemic, Brisbane’s cruise terminal sprang to life, welcoming 138 cruise ships during its first full year of operation last season. The Pinkenba facility is on track to record a 20 percent increase in the number of ships this season.

This unprecedented surge in cruise traffic is driving discussions to expedite the construction of a second terminal at the mouth of the Brisbane River to accommodate the growing number of cruise ships flocking to the region.

Brisbane’s Record Cruise Season

Brisbane is set to host an estimated 165 cruise ships, bringing nearly 800,000 passengers in 2023. Many of these passengers will embark on journeys along the picturesque Queensland coast, injecting a substantial $200 million windfall into the state’s tourism industry.

This record-breaking season is further highlighted by the arrival of Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas, commencing a 25-voyage season in Brisbane that will bring a staggering 115,000 passengers to the city.

Port of Brisbane CEO, Neil Stephens, expressed his enthusiasm for the new cruise season and the contribution of the cruise industry to Queensland’s economy.

“The industry is a big part of Queensland’s economic and tourism success story, with cruising from Brisbane estimated to contribute around $1.15 billion to the state economy over the next decade,” he said.

Brisbane Cruise Liner Terminal — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Economic Impact and Expansion Plans

Brisbane’s growing reputation as a world-class cruise hub is attracting more ships to its shores, generating jobs and boosting economic activity in the region.

However, the surge in cruise traffic is outstripping the capacity of the current terminal. The facility can only accommodate one ship visit per day, and during the summer months, it operates near full capacity. Port officials are already assessing future demand to plan for expansion, ensuring that they can cater to the growing appetite for cruise travel.

Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director of Royal Caribbean’s Australia and New Zealand division, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the region’s potential growth.

“The proximity of Queensland to the islands in the Pacific, the Great Barrier Reef, the new terminal, all the pieces are there. There’s a lot of momentum, and we’re very excited about the opportunities,” Mr Smith said.

Queensland’s Dominance in the Cruise Market

Data from Cruise Lines International Association and the Australian Cruise Association confirms Queensland’s status as Australia’s second-largest cruise market after Sydney. However, industry insiders believe that Brisbane has the potential for further growth, making it a promising hub for cruise tourism.

The research reveals that Queensland contributed an impressive $1.69 billion to the national cruise economy in the last financial year, supporting more than 5,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

Published 1-Nov-2023

MoU Signed for Pinkenba Quarantine Facility

The Pinkenba Quarantine Facility is now one step closer to opening up after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The Commonwealth has forged an agreement with the Queensland Government to build a 1,000-bed quarantine facility by mid-2022. Located at a 30-hectare lot within the Damascus Barracks, the site is in proximity to the Brisbane Airport, cruise terminals, and hospitals.

Despite Queensland’s success in controlling coronavirus outbreaks, the region remains vulnerable to transmissions at the borders. Whilst vaccination has been ramped up, threats of the virus, especially with the more dominant and highly transmissible Delta variant, looms.

“Following countless breaches from the nation’s hotel quarantine system it’s clear there is an urgent need for more fit-for-purpose quarantine facilities throughout Australia,” Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.

“With NSW and Victoria in lockdown, we cannot afford more leaks from hotel quarantine.”

Construction of the Pinkenba Quarantine Facility will be financed by the Commonwealth whilst Queensland will provide the services once it’s opened.

“Until all Australians have been offered a vaccination, quarantine facilities will remain Australia’s frontline in preventing deadly new strains of COVID-19 from entering our community,” Mr Miles added.

Meanwhile, the Queensland Government will also build another quarantine facility near the airport at Wellcamp, Toowoomba. Construction of this site will start by Christmas 2021.

New Renewable Energy Training Facility Set for Construction in Pinkenba

A state-of-the-art renewable energy training facility will be established in Pinkenba after the approval of the MID planning framework and the allocation of $17 million in funds. Once completed, this project will enable Queensland to reach its renewable target by 2030.

Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles confirmed that the State Government has invested in the training facility, which will provide “pre-trade, apprenticeship and post trade courses” for 300 students a year and jobs for 40 teachers.

The Pinkenba Renewable Energy Training Facility, located on 749 Macarthur Avenue Central, will deliver workers who will be able to carry out specialised roles in electrical, solar, and telecommunications across the region.

Highlights

The Pinkenba Renewable Energy Training Facility will be constructed along Macarthur Avenue Central starting September 2021.
The school, under Electro Group, will train 300 students who will work in the electrical, solar and telecommunications sectors.
Queensland Government will fund $17 million of the $23-million training facility.

Electro Group is eyeing to start construction of the building in September 2021.

“Our facility will provide electrical workers with classroom learning and out in the field training, which will feature a 17m high wind turbine, a 20m high climbing tower, a 30m telecommunications tower and a 54-kw single-axis tracking solar system,” Electro Group CEO Donna Pickford said.

“Being able to provide both current and future electrical workers with this hands-on experience will mean they’ll be fully equipped to take on the jobs of tomorrow.

“We’re excited to be moving forward with this project and we’re looking forward to welcoming our first students in mid-2022.”

Electro Group bypassed Brisbane City Council in submitting the plans (MID-0521-0495). The Council earlier expressed concerns that the school’s establishment in a predominantly industrial area could hamper future expansion and activities for the surrounding sites.

However, the electrotechnology training company said that Queensland needs the school since the state is projected to double employment in the renewable energy sector in 10 years. There are currently 27,000 renewable energy workers in this region.

“While we’re investing in renewable energy projects throughout the state, it is also important we invest in our workforce to deliver and maintain renewable energy infrastructure,” Mr Miles, who approved the development, said.