North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) is paving the way for expanded and more efficient local trade with the construction of a multi-million-dollar container depot at the Port of Mackay.
The 1.3-hectare facility will be the first of its kind in the region, supporting existing trades and, for the first time, enabling regular containerised imports and exports directly through Mackay.
NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said this means local businesses and producers will have the opportunity to send and receive goods directly, without the need to route freight through more distant ports such as Brisbane, saving time, reducing costs, and boosting local jobs.
“Mackay’s strategic location, close to major mining and agricultural hubs, means industries can rely on a more robust and flexible logistics network with a dedicated container facility at the port,” said Webb.
“The new Container Depot will allow regional exporters and importers to move goods directly through Mackay, eliminating the need for long-haul transport to other ports. This unlocks significant savings in freight costs and time, while also reducing heavy vehicle traffic on the Bruce Highway.
“As well as safer roads and more efficient trade, having a local container facility also strengthens the region’s supply chain against weather disruptions and reduces transport emissions.”
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Webb said the container depot was being built to handle current demand and future expansion, including reefer (refrigerated container) capability.
“NQBP market studies show a strong demand in the region for the depot, with a steady build-up of trade in the coming years to around 7,000 TEUs a year through Mackay,” Webb continued.
“Built for heavy-duty performance, it will be reach-stacker ready, have reefer capacity, efficient empty container management and set up to handle growth from day one.”
For more information:
NQBP – https://nqbp.com.au/
