TOTAL annual trade at the Port of Mackay dipped slightly in 2022/23, but the port experienced a surge in sugar and grain exports in that period.
The multi-cargo port handled 3.51 million tonnes in the 2022/23 financial year, which was a 2% decrease from the 3.59 million tonnes handled in the previous year.
North Queensland Bulk Ports acting CEO Belinda Kenny said the latest annual throughput figures were just shy of the record figure posted the year before, but propelled the port to another bumper trade result.
“The Port of Mackay has put together back-to-back bumper trade performances, reflecting the strength and diversity of the Mackay region,” Ms Kenny said.
“Over the past financial year, sugar and grain along with fuel imports and break bulk cargo have led the way.
“Sugar, the port’s second-largest trade, was up 8.2% at 1.06 million tonnes on last financial year, and grain, the third largest export was up 14.7% at 342,581.
“Petroleum saw its second-highest year at 1.7 million tonnes.”
The port handled 298,682 tonnes of grain and 1.84 million tonnes of petroleum in 2021/22.
Ms Kenny attributed the “strong results” to the efforts of those who work at the port and across the Mackay region’s supply chain.
“Across our four ports – Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point and Weipa – NQBP facilitated a combined 152.1 million tonnes of throughput,” Ms Kenny said.
“This represents an overall increase in trade of 4.8% compared to last year.
“The results reflect the essential role of our government-owned ports to regional jobs and economic prosperity.”
The port of Weipa handled 15.2 million tonnes in 2022/23, which was a 6% decrease on the 12.2 million tonnes handled in the previous period.
The port of Abbot Point handled 33.4 million tonnes in 2022/2023, an increase of 18%.
And the port of Hay Point handled 43.1 million tonnes in the same period, which was 2% decrease on the previous financial year.
