NORTH QUEENSLAND Bulk Ports is emphasising the increasing role of the port of Mackay in the state’s global connections, highlighted by a new trade milestone.
Rising grain exports and continued strong trade in petroleum and sugar helped push the port past a two million tonne milestone between July 2024 and January 2025. The top three traded commodities – petroleum (1.1 million tonnes), sugar (607,000 tonnes), and grain (245,000 tonnes) again led the way to another trade record.
NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said grain in particular had a positive seven months with a notable increase of 9.7% from 223,000 tonnes during the same period last year.
“The port’s strong trade performance highlights its vital role in Queensland’s global supply chain,” Mr Webb said. “Our local port boasts global connections to key international markets, including China, India, Japan, North America, New Zealand, Korea, and Bangladesh.
“’With its strategic location, multi-cargo capability, and well-established regional links, it plays a crucial role in connecting Queensland to the world.”
For more than 85 years, the Port of Mackay has been a driving force behind the region’s economic growth.
“Since opening in 1939, it has grown into Queensland’s fourth-largest multi-commodity port and is central to unlocking the agricultural and mining wealth of the region,” Mr Webb said. “Fuel trucks depart the port 24/7 to support the Bowen Basin, a supply lifeline that underpins the mining industry’s operations.
“Meanwhile, Mackay remains one of Australia’s largest sugar-producing region, and the port hosts one of the world’s largest bulk sugar terminals.”
The Port of Mackay is one of four ports NQBP is responsible for, including the ports of Abbot Point, Hay Point, and Weipa. “Our ports are powerful contributors to the Queensland economy with 54% of Queensland’s international trade by volume passing through them,” Mr Webb said.
