Report highlights mighty port contribution

The ports of Mackay, Hay Point and Abbot Point contribute $31.7 billion annually to Queensland's economy, a new study has revealed. The study, commissioned by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) and conducted by Prominence, found the three ports support about 40,000 jobs across the mining, construction, transport and wholesale trade industries. The findings were released today at a breakfast hosted by NQBP in conjunction with the Resource Industry Network. NQBP chief executive officer Brendan Webb said the report shone a light on the economic importance of the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region to the State’s economy. “The Port of Hay Point, one of the largest metallurgical coal ports in the world, helps inject more than $21 billion annually into the Queensland economy and facilitates around 30,000 jobs,” Mr Webb said. “The Port of Mackay, which not only plays a critical role in the mining supply chain but is the cornerstone of the region’s powerhouse sugar industry, contributes more than $1 billion annually and supports more than 2000 jobs across Queensland. "The Port of Abbot Point is Queensland’s most northern coal export terminal, supporting global energy markets and contributes nearly $10 billion annually and facilitates more than 8,000 jobs." While exports make up the bulk of NQBP’s trade, import volumes have grown by more than 25 per cent since 2019. Imports for the region come through the Port of Mackay and while fuel makes up the majority, diversity of imported goods is increasing including break bulk cargo. “NQBP sees Mackay as a critical port to enable future economic development of the Greater Whitsunday region and is investigating key capital improvements at the port,” Mr Webb said. “These potential investments, including extending Wharf 1’s cargo handling capabilities and establishing purpose-built laydown areas, will facilitate competitive port services for the region’s existing industries and provide confidence to proponents of new projects whether they are in mining, agriculture, future fuels, tourism, Defence or renewable energy." Mr Webb said the report also revealed the combined contribution of all NQBP’s four ports – Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point and Weipa. Together, the ports handled more than 54 per cent of Queensland’s international trade by volume; contributed $35 billion annually to Queensland’s Gross State Product and facilitated more than 47,000 jobs across the state, he said.

Report highlights mighty port contribution

Industry Queensland

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