PORT of Mackay handled a record 3.6 million tones of cargo throughput over the 2021-22 financial year, according to North Queensland Bulk Ports’ annual report, tabled in the Queensland Parliament on Tuesday.
NQBP CEO Nicolas Fertin said despite supply chain challenges and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, 145.1 million tonnes of throughput passed through the ports.
“As a government-owned port authority, we are proud of the role we have played in supporting good local jobs while facilitating safe and efficient trade,” Mr Fertin said.
“Our people continued to work safely and tirelessly to keep trade flowing throughout the pandemic in support of our port partners and our regional communities.
“With three major ports operating alongside the Great Barrier Reef, we also continued to keep environmental stewardship at the forefront of our business.”
Mr Fertin said NQBP reported a net profit after tax of $7.3 million for the period.
“In support of delivering efficient port services for our customers, NQBP balanced a tight focus on operating costs with a commitment to trade-supporting infrastructure investments and maintenance expenditure totalling nearly $12 million,” Mr Fertin said.
“From building a new tug berth facility at the Port of Mackay to upgrading the Hay Point Administration Building, our works supported more than 220 jobs during the period.”
Mr Fertin said NQBP is backing the state government in its renewables and hydrogen policies.
“Our east-coast ports are prime locations to support sustainable trades of the future including hydrogen, renewables and biofuels,” Mr Fertin said.
“In the last 12 months, NQBP joined a consortium of Queensland and global businesses to explore the production and export of hydrogen through the Ports of Hay Point as well as responded to increasing interests in Abbot Point and Mackay.”
Mr Fertin said NQBP’s four ports support around 26,700 industry jobs (agriculture, mining and transport) and trades that contribute more than $46 billion in economic value.
“This could only be achieved with the support and commitment of our people, port partners, customers, and port communities,” Mr Fertin said.
