Dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane and its supporting vessels have left the Port of Weipa after completing a 63-day maintenance dredging program.

The program removed about 1.16 million cubic metres of natural sediment, which was placed at the approved Dredge Material Placement Area (DMPA) in Albatross Bay.

Its was a larger than usual dredge campaign due to the impacts of severe weather over the summer season, North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) said.

Tropical Cyclone Narelle crossed Cape York Peninsula in March, with heavy rainfall, flooding and increased wave heights moving more sediment into the port’s shipping channels.

NQBP has delivered the annual maintenance dredging program at the Port of Weipa for more than 30 years.

Tenders for major construction on the Cairns Western Arterial Road duplication project between Lake Placid Road and the Captain Cook Highway are expected to be called in late 2026.

HEH Civil holds the contract to deliver the early works, which include relocation of water and sewer infrastructure ahead of major construction. 

Section 1 of the Cairns Western Arterial Road duplication will provide two lanes in each direction between Lake Placid Road and Captain Cook Highway, along with intersection upgrades.

Construction is underway on the $30 million Cannonvale Community Hub.

The new hub within Galbraith Park will include a modern library, customer service centre, meeting rooms, flexible community spaces and outdoor areas connected to the surrounding parkland.

Supported by $15 million from the Albanese Government’s Growing Region Program and $15 million from the Whitsunday Regional Council, the facility is designed to meet the growing needs of Cannonvale with accessible spaces to support learning, connection and community life.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2027, weather permitting.