Australia is investing in Tonga’s future with significant upgrades to the Queen Salote International Wharf (QSIW) officially unveiled on Friday, 12 July in Nuku’alofa.
The upgrades are part of Phase 1 of the Upgrading Tonga’s international port project, an AUD138.3 million initiative including an AUD31.25 million grant from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP). This project demonstrates the strong partnership between Australia, the Kingdom of Tonga, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) and highlights Australia's commitment to supporting Tonga's long-term development goals through climate-resilient infrastructure enhancements.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Tonga, His Excellency Mr. Brek Batley, joined Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku, Tongan Minister for Infrastructure, Sevenitini Toumo’ua, and representatives from the ADB, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the project’s commencement.
The upgraded QSIW is of strategic importance to Tonga, serving as a critical hub for the nation's economy. Handling over 98 per cent of Tonga's imports, the wharf ensures the flow of essential goods and services for the Tongan community, including access to daily commodities such as food and fuel.
The upgraded infrastructure will not only support the continuity of trade in the event of natural disasters, but also aligns with Tonga's development goals to provide safer, more reliable, and affordable transport options to the people of Tonga.
The project includes reinstating Wharf One, extending Wharf Two by 50 meters with new navigation markers, and upgrading port service systems. Climate-resilient measures such as concrete seawalls, strengthened rock walls, solar-powered lighting, and improved stormwater drainage ensure the infrastructure can withstand climate impacts.
This initiative prioritises localisation and gender inclusion. There is strong local employment, with Tongans holding 82 per cent of jobs and women occupying at least 10 per cent of construction roles.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Batley said that maritime infrastructure is the backbone of island economies.
“The Queen SIW connects Tonga to global trade. This milestone highlights the strong partnership between Australia, Tonga, and the ADB, enhancing the port's resilience and sustainability. The Australian Government remains committed to investing in sustainable infrastructure, jobs, skills, and connectivity – in Tonga and across the Pacific– to ensure prosperity for communities and for generations to come,” he said.
ADB Director General for the Pacific Department, Leah Gutierrez, expressed ADB's deep appreciation for the support of development partners, including the Governments of Australia and Tonga.
“This transformational project is making maritime transportation safer and more reliable from Nuku’alofa to the outer islands and will boost Tonga’s connectivity to the region,” she said.
Minister for Infrastructure, Sevenitini Toumo’ua, spoke about the impact of the upgraded Wharf for local communities. “The economic importance of Tonga’s ports for local industry, businesses and everyday life cannot be understated, and the Government of Tonga is pleased to be partnering with Australia and the ADB to make these much-needed upgrades a reality and to do so with climate resilience as a key focus.”
The Australian Government remains committed to supporting Tonga and the broader Pacific region and looks forward to continuing collaboration with the Government of Tonga and ADB to meet future infrastructure needs.
The Australian Government remains committed to investing in sustainable infrastructure, jobs, skills, and connectivity in Tonga and the Pacific.
With Tongans holding 82% of jobs in the port upgrade project, local employment has increased, and women make up at least 10% of construction roles.
Climate-resilient port upgrades unveiled in Tonga.