NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports may be defying the organisation’s title in the future as it weighs installing container facilities at the Port of Mackay, among other enhancements.
NQBP CEO Brendan Webb revealed the plan at a resource industry briefing in Mackay last week [7 November].
“The George Bell Drive Heavy Duty Laydown at Mackay could cater for containerisation of the port and improve supply chain efficiency for businesses located in central Queensland,” Mr Webb told the meeting of industry and government stakeholders.
“The existing Wharf 1 facility is approaching end of life. An extension will enable restoration of the original wharf and increase our capabilities for complex, heavy-lift logistics whether for existing or expanding mining operations or proposed private-led renewable energy projects.”
“These investments could ensure today’s industries thrive well into the future,” Mr Webb said. “We’re laying the groundwork through feasibility studies, development and designs to help build stronger regional supply chains.”
Mr Webb reflected on the Port of Mackay’s 86-year history — from the 1957 opening of what was then the world’s largest bulk sugar terminal to its evolution into a diversified trade hub supporting Queensland’s energy, agriculture and resources sectors.
“The Port of Mackay has always been a story of innovation and resilience,” Mr Webb said. “As we look to the future, the question we’re asking is: what’s our next sugar success story?”
Apart from the long-term prospect of containerisation, Mr Webb outlined two key infrastructure projects NQBP was investigating: extending Wharf 1’s cargo handling capabilities and developing a purpose-built laydown area.
NQBP manages the ports of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point and Weipa, which together facilitate more than 150 million tonnes of trade annually, contributing $35 billion to the Queensland economy and supporting 47,000 jobs.
Collectively, NQBP ports move more than half (54%) of Queensland’s trade by volume, including 68% of Queensland’s coal exports.