PORT of Mackay is heading for a record-equalling year of trade, having passed three million tonnes of throughput.

According to Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, the port’s total throughput this financial years is so far a 24% increase since the same time last year.

The top three commodities were fuel at more than 1.5 million tonnes, sugar at almost 1.1 million tonnes and breakbulk at more than 164,000 tonnes.

“[Port of Mackay] is on track to reach more than 3.3 million tonnes by the end of June which would equal its record trade and be the most in the last decade,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The Port of Mackay is an essential gateway linking Central Queensland to the world, servicing mining and agricultural industries and a critical supply link for the economic powerhouse of the Bowen Basin.

“A strong port means jobs and a strong economy for the region. It supports 2100 trade jobs and pumps $3.5 billion into the economy.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the trade results at Port of Mackay were supported by strong mining and agricultural industries in the region.

“Breakbulk cargo volumes in the year to date are also 25% higher than the same period last year,” Ms Gilbert said.

“In April alone, we saw more than 250,000 tonnes of cargo go through the port – going from strength to strength at every step.”

Ms Palaszczuk also announced Queensland-based construction company V2R Projects has been awarded a $4 million contract to upgrade Port of Mackay’s Wharf Five.

The upgrade will involve removing and replacing the western approach deck and building better infrastructure for the port.

“This project will be directly supporting 30 local jobs and create a pipeline of work across regional Queensland,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey said it was “fantastic” to see strong, state-owned assts doing well year-on-year despite global disruptions.

“While we expect to see some impacts due to global supply chain disruptions, the central drivers supporting trade in the region surrounding the Port of Mackay remain strong,” he said.