North Queensland ports power global trade
Two newly elected members of Parliament undertook a hands-on inspection today at the ports that power central and northern Queensland electorates.
Fresh from the last sitting of Parliament in Brisbane last week, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Member for Mirani Glen Kelly were back on home turf touring the ports of Mackay and Hay Point.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) CEO Brendan Webb said it was a great opportunity to brief the MPs on current trade and infrastructure projects at the ports.
“It was a pleasure to showcase the critical role the ports play in regional Queensland, and for them to meet the people that make it all possible,” Mr Webb said.
“As members of the Primary Industries and Resources Committee, our local MPs know full well how central the ports are to the state’s prosperity.
“While Hay Point connects major mining centres with the world, the Port of Mackay supplies many of these mines and agricultural communities with fuel and equipment.”
“It was wonderful to show them the ports in action. Through the dedication of NQBP’s 140 employees and in collaboration with the thousands of others who work for our trade partners and tenants, the ports of Mackay and Hay Point contribute over $22.2 billion annually to Queensland’s economy and helps facilitate 40,000 local jobs.”
NQBP’s ports of Mackay, Hay Point, Abbot Point and Weipa handle more than 150 million tonnes of cargo each year, with an annual trade value of $53 billion. Together, they manage more than half (54%) of Queensland’s international trade by volume, including 68% of the state’s coal exports.
“Metallurgical coal, essential for steelmaking, represents 77% of the coal volume passing through our ports,” Mr Webb added.
The Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly, emphasised the importance of the port for jobs in his electorate of Mirani, stating, “The Port of Hay Point alone contributes $21.1 billion to Queensland’s Gross State Product and provides direct jobs to around 1,000 port workers.
“Nearly 97 million tonnes of coal are exported out of Hay Point, providing thousands of jobs to the people of Central Queensland. The majority of this is steel making coal used to produce steel for Australia and the world.”
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton highlighted the region’s economic growth is directly tied to the success of these ports.
“NQBP’s investment in infrastructure at the Port of Mackay will ensure our ports remain competitive and continue driving prosperity in regional Queensland.”
Images for download
Image 1 | NQBP CEO Brendan Webb, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, NQBP General Manager Infrastructure and Operations Tim Lewis and Member for Mirani Glen Kelly tour the Port of Mackay.
Image 2 | The Port of Mackay is a multi-commodity port and major servicing centre for the Queensland mining and agricultural industries.
Image 3 | NQBP CEO Brendan Webb, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Chief Executive Officer Steve Rae chat with Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Member for Mirani Glen Kelly at the Port of Hay Point look out.
Image 4 | As one of the largest coal export ports in the world, the Port of Hay Point is a vital part of the social and economic fabric of both Mackay and Queensland, more broadly.
Image 5 | BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) Hay Point Coal Terminal's Dave Watt, Manager Production, Dan Grech, Manager Maintenance, NQBP General Manager Commercial and Maritime Services, Darren Brownsey, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, NQBP CEO Brendan Webb, and Member for Mirani Glen Kelly, with Mariette Bylsma, Head of Operations BMA, and Linda Murry, General Manager Hay Point Coal Terminal.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation contact:
Amanda Blines | Senior Advisor Brand and Communications
0439 703 330 | ablines@nqbp.com.au
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