ABC News

Billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer says he is
concerned another private company would hike up
charges to use the port once it has been leased.

The Maritime Workers Union (MWU) says private investors will be lining up to buy the Port of Brisbane - but it should not be for sale.

Bids are open for the 99-year lease of the port as part of the Queensland Government's privatisation plans.

Billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer says he is concerned another private company would hike up charges to use the port once it has been leased.

Mr Palmer says that could prompt him to make a bid.

Mick Carr from the MWU says the government is giving away a "cash cow".

"I think anybody who put in a bid including Mr Palmer would be a very smart business person on the basis that's a very lucrative business to buy," Mr Carr said.

"There's no competition whatsoever.

"But we do have a real view that the port should not be put up for sale in the first place."aritime Workers Union (MWU) says private investors will be lining up to buy the Port of Brisbane - but it should not be for sale.

Bids are open for the 99-year lease of the port as part of the Queensland Government's privatisation plans.

Billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer says he is concerned another private company would hike up charges to use the port once it has been leased.

Mr Palmer says that could prompt him to make a bid.

Mick Carr from the MWU says the government is giving away a "cash cow".

"I think anybody who put in a bid including Mr Palmer would be a very smart business person on the basis that's a very lucrative business to buy," Mr Carr said.

"There's no competition whatsoever.

"But we do have a real view that the port should not be put up for sale in the first place."