MR ENTSCH: Recently I attended a launch of the world’s largest ship hoist, located in my home city of Cairns.
To say that a seven-storey piece of machinery is impressive is an absolute understatement.
The gala launch event was impressive as well, complete with a spectacular light show and fireworks display choreographed to music of the Aussie rock legends AC/DC.
The Italian-built 1,120-tonne hoist is a direct result of the vision and dedication of BSE manager Justin Parer.
There’s little doubt that Justin is a widely respected leader in his industry, something he should be extremely proud of.
The 23-metre high mobile boat lift has 32 wheels and eight lifting slings for transferring vessels to the hardstand and maintenance sheds.
This amazing piece of machinery is quite literally a game changer for our region.
The hoist will allow BSE to double its workforce for the next year and has further enhanced Cairns and Far North Queensland’s marine and maintenance industry, which will lead to increased economic stimulation and growth.
The federal government played a small but significant role in getting this hoist to Cairns.
We invested $8 million, which was matched by BSE, to build the hard-stand on which the host operates.
This was part of a wider $24 million package that BSE shared with the city’s other two slipways, Norship and Tropical Reef Shipyard.
The federal government’s investment was matched by all three shipyards bring the total investment in the Cairns Marine Precinct to nearly $50 million.
Lastly, I understand plans are well advanced to bring a bigger 4000-tonne syncrolift to our city which will be the cherry on the cake and make Cairns the premier marine maintenance hub in Northern Australia.
