Port of Brisbane to refuel trucks and drivers

11 October 2001

Major fuel stop operator, North Eastern Travel Stops Pty Ltd, will be bringing an impressive range of services to its new facility to be situated on a two-hectare site at the Port of Brisbane’s new Whyte Island Estate near port facilities at the mouth of the Brisbane River.

The $4.5 million development will be located next to the intersection of Port Drive and Howard Smith Drive, under a ten-year lease agreement with up to two options each of five years.

Nine companies were invited to tender, including all those who had shown an interest during concept development, as well as every major fuel supplier.

According to Chris Morris, Managing Director of successful tenderer, North Eastern Travel Stops, “This was a very attractive proposition because a very definite need exists in the area due to the high volume of transport and the concentration of transport companies.

“There is a need not only to refuel trucks, but also to refuel their drivers and support staff. That’s why our truck stop will include a restaurant with seating for over 72 people at any one time, as well as takeaway.”

In addition there will be a drivers’ lounge, laundry and showers, internet access and telephones. There will be parking for up to 70 trucks, with further room for expansion, as well as 20 car parks, with additional parking for boats, caravans and four-wheel drives. There will also be a truck wash and capacity to refuel six trucks at a time.

“With the wide range of services on offer, we anticipate that this new facility will create between 30 and 36 jobs,” Mr Morris said.

Preparation of the site is currently underway, with construction scheduled to begin in early November for completion mid-2002. The improvements will be owned and leased by the Corporation.

Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Brisbane Corporation, Graham Mulligan, said, “This facility is fundamental to the growth and continued development of Fisherman Islands and Whyte Island.

“Together with our new Visitors’ Centre on Fisherman Islands, the port will now be able to boast two high-quality and high-capacity food outlets, which will make it even more desirable as a location for new business.”

Part of the Chrijan Group of companies, which has been operating since 1990, North Eastern Travel Stops has extensive experience in truck and fuel stop management. It has operated as many as ten sites up and down the eastern seaboard and is highly experienced in all aspects of service station operation, as well as highway and truck stop diner facilities.

The group is undergoing a major expansion exercise in South East Queensland, with the Port of Brisbane truck stop viewed as the jewel in the group’s crown.