GPC Breaks Ground on New Viewing Platform

A CONTEMPORARY, viewing platform on Auckland Hill is set to capture the beauty of the Port City from great heights and support approximately 55 jobs during construction, with Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) officially starting works.

The Marina Viewing Platform is expected to provide a fresh vantage point to take in the Gladstone Marina and the harbour views.

Once complete the project will feature seating, shade structures and a new staircase, connecting Auckland Hill to GPC’s waterfront parkland precinct East Shores.

Chief Operating Officer Craig Walker said the viewing platform would add another exciting element to the East Shores precinct and the important interface to the ports operations.

“The Marina viewing platform at Auckland Hill will provide a world-class foreshore experience for Gladstone locals, visitors and tourists,” Mr Walker said.

“At GPC, we are committed to improving the public’s access to the waterfront and providing spaces for the community to meet, relax, exercise and take vantage of a world class port in action.”

Local construction company Absolut Constructions has been named as the principal contractor for the works, which will support approximately 55 jobs through construction.

“We’re pleased to be working with Absolut Constructions who are based in our region and will be using locals throughout the project,” he said.

“It’s important we focus on growing trade, supporting local jobs and our regional economy.

“The viewing platform has been on the drawing board for some time and after the uncertainty of COVID-19 last year, we are excited to finally be breaking ground on this project and supporting job,”

“We consider it a privilege to be able to provide such a wonderful vantage point over our Marina and Port areas,” he said. Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said Gladstone Regional Council and GPC are in the process of facilitating the transfer of the trustee ship of Auckland to GPC.

 “The addition of Auckland Hill viewing platform will add value to the East Shores precinct,” Cr Burnett said.

 “We’ve seen a fantastic transformation take place along the Auckland Creek waterfront since 2014 with the development of East Shores Stage 1a and more recently the completion of Stage 1b, which included a cruise ship passenger terminal.

“While I’m hopeful of domestic cruise ships returning to Gladstone in 2021, I’m sure it won’t just be tourists who enjoy the proposed viewing platform sitting proudly on top of Auckland Hill.

“This development is a welcome addition to the many parklands and community spaces within the Gladstone Region and is sure to enhance our visitor economy and tourism appeal.”

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher MP said the project’s 55 direct jobs in design and construction is part and proof of Queensland’s COVID19 Economic Recovery Plan for our region.

“Projects like this not only create jobs and contribute to the local economy, but also build capacity across the construction industry, giving small businesses in Gladstone the chance to participate in work they might not otherwise get,” Mr Butcher said.

“The incredible development at East Shores by the Gladstone Ports Corporation is already award-winning and extremely popular with locals, this new project will give everyone the best possible views of our beautiful region,”

“The Auckland Hill viewing platform will also provide another reason for domestic, cruise ship and future international tourists to make Gladstone a key stop on their travels,” he said.

Construction is expected to be complete in early 2022.