The Territory Labor Government knows that developing and upgrading infrastructure is critically important to grow the Territory’s economy.
A tender to deliver an $18.5 million upgrade to extend the life of the Frances Bay Mooring Basin has been awarded to Territory business Advance Civil.
This project will deliver new lock doors and modernise the mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Frances Bay Mooring Basin.
The lock is used to access the mooring basin, which has 91 pens providing safe mooring for more than 135 working vessels.
Fisheries, the seafood industry, pearlers and commercial operators utilise the basin. By investing in a new lock, the Territory Government is providing long-term certainty for existing businesses and greater confidence for new investment opportunities.
Works will commence soon with more than 30 jobs supported during the design and construction phase. The scope of works will include:
Removing the existing gates and supporting elements and designing and installing new gates to improve performance and reduce operational costs.Removing and replacing the tie rods inside the lock walls.Removing and replacing concrete capping beams.Upgrading the lock base slab by repairing cracks and installing cathodic protection.Installing cathodic protection for the new gates and concrete elements to reduce the rate of corrosion.Installing crane pads to improve maintenance of the lock gates.Replacing the lock mechanical and electrical elements and control system.Designing and fabricating an emergency seaside cofferdam door.Upgrading six existing seaside lead-in / fender piles.
Further design and off-site fabrication of lock components will take place during 2022, with construction work on site anticipated to begin in the first half of 2023 and be complete by the end of 2024.
The Territory Government will continue to work with industry to develop and deliver contingency planning during construction.
Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler:
“Creating a pipeline of infrastructure works supports local jobs and local business.
“Frances Bay has long been a safe mooring for Territory vessels, particularly during our Wet Season.
“The Territory Government is providing much needed upgrades to the Frances Bay Mooring Lock, ensuring quality infrastructure is available for our commercial fishing and seafood industry and other seafaring industries.”
Northern Territory Government
