$31.7 BILLION – that’s the contribution of the ports of Mackay, Hay Point and Abbot Point to Queensland’s gross state product, according to a new study commissioned by North Queensland Bulk Ports.
The independent experts Prominence also found the three east coast ports support around 40,000 jobs across the mining, construction, transport and wholesale trade industries.
NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said the report shines a light on the economic importance of the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region to the state’s economy.
“The Port of Hay Point, one of the largest metallurgical coal ports in the world, helps inject more than $21 billion annually into the Queensland economy and facilitates around 30,000 jobs,” Mr Webb said. “The Port of Mackay, which not only plays a critical role in the mining supply chain but is the cornerstone of the region’s powerhouse sugar industry, which contributes more than $1 billion annually and supports more than 2,000 jobs across Queensland.
“The Port of Abbot Point is Queensland’s most northern coal export terminal, supporting global energy markets and contributes nearly $10 billion annually and facilitates more than 8,000 jobs.
Mr Webb said the report also revealed the combined contribution of all NQBP’s four ports – Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point and Weipa:“Our ports serve as critical gateways, but it is through our port partners—our terminal operators, customers, tenants, supply chains, and local businesses— that this contribution truly benefits Queenslanders.”
“The ports handle over 54% of Queensland’s international trade by volume; contribute $35 billion annually to Queensland’s Gross State Product and facilitate more than 47,000 jobs across the state,” Mr Webb said.
The study was released today [21 March] at a breakfast hosted by NQBP in conjunction with the Resource Industry Network and shows total annual trade passing through NQBP ports is approximately $53 billion in value and around 150 million tonnes in volume.
Metallurgical coal – a primary ingredient in steel making – is by far NQBP’s biggest trade by volume (86%), followed by exports of thermal coal, bauxite and sugar. The employment impact is greatest in regions where trade facilitated by the export of metallurgical coal drives significant economic activity.
While exports make up the bulk of NQBP’s trade, import volumes have grown by more than 25% since 2019. Imports for the region come through the Port of Mackay and while fuel makes up the majority, diversity of imported goods is increasing including break bulk cargo.
“NQBP sees Mackay as a critical port to enable future economic development of the Greater Whitsunday region and is investigating key capital improvements at the port,” Mr Webb said. “These potential investments, including extending Wharf 1’s cargo handling capabilities and establishing purpose-built laydown areas, will facilitate competitive port services for the region’s existing industries and provide confidence to proponents of new projects whether they are in mining, agriculture, future fuels, tourism, Defence or renewable energy.” Ports Australia CEO Mike Gallacher said the report was “a fantastic initiative” from NQBP that focused in on the local impact of the ports, while Resource Industry Network general manager Dean Kirkwood acknowledged that the ports are a key piece of infrastructure enabling this significant contribution. “NQBP is an impeccable corporate citizen that is truly focussed on ensuring the continued prosperity of the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region,” Mr Kirkwood said.
* L to R: Assistant Minister of Regional Development, Resources and Critical Minerals Bryson Head MP, Trade and Investment Queensland CEO Justin McGowan, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Ports Australia CEO Mike Gallacher, NQBP Board Chair Jane McTaggart, NQBP CEO Brendan Webb, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, Member for Mirani Glen Kelly, and Resource Industry Network General Manager Dean Kirkwood at the launch of NQBP’s Economic Impact Study
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