The Port of Gladstone's overhaul has also been assured with a $102 million package, including $58.8 million towards a third rail unloading station, a third shiploader, a fourth berth and two additional coal stockpiles.

 

The new funding for Gladstone complements the $167.5 million coal capacity extension program announced earlier this month, which will increase coal output from 40 million tonnes to 54Mt per year.

 

The Port of Brisbane will use $140 million to fund an extensive capital works program in 2004-05, with $34 million to be spent on "reclamation and associated works" and $17.1 million on upgrading facilities at Fisherman's Island.

 

The Cairns Port Authority will use $24.3 million of its $75 million to upgrade security.

 

"The value of exports shipped out of Queensland over past five years confirms the importance of Queensland's ports," transport and main roads minister Paul Lucas said.