Ports power local jobs and global trade

NQBP CEO Nicolas Fertin said despite supply chain challenges and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, 145.1 million tonnes (Mt) of throughput passed through the ports, including a record-breaking year of 3.6 million tonnes for the Port of Mackay.

“As a government-owned port authority, we are proud of the role we have played in supporting good local jobs while facilitating safe and efficient trade,” Mr Fertin said.

“Our people continued to work safely and tirelessly to keep trade flowing throughout the pandemic in support of our port partners and our regional communities.

“With three major ports operating alongside the Great Barrier Reef, we also continued to keep environmental stewardship at the forefront of our business.”

Mr Fertin said NQBP reported a Net Profit After Tax of $7.3 million for the period.

“In support of delivering efficient port services for our customers, NQBP balanced a tight focus on operating costs with a commitment to trade-supporting infrastructure investments and maintenance expenditure totalling nearly $12 million,” Mr Fertin said.

“From building a new tug berth facility at the Port of Mackay to upgrading the Hay Point Administration Building, our works supported more than 220 jobs during the period.”

Mr Fertin said NQBP is backing the State Government in its renewables and hydrogen policies.

“Our east coast ports are prime locations to support sustainable trades of the future including hydrogen, renewables and biofuels,” Mr Fertin said.

“In the last 12 months, NQBP joined a consortium of Queensland and global businesses to explore the production and export of hydrogen through the Ports of Hay Point as well as responded to increasing interests in Abbot Point and Mackay.”

Mr Fertin said NQBP’s four ports support around 26,700 industry jobs (agriculture, mining and transport) and trades that contribute more than $46 billion in economic value.

“This could only be achieved with the support and commitment of our people, port partners, customers, and port communities,” Mr Fertin said.

NQBP’s 2021-2022 Annual Report was tabled in Queensland Parliament on 27 September 2022.

Images for downloading

• Image | NQBP CEO Nicolas Fertin with General Manager Infrastructure Tim Lewis at the new Port of Mackay Tug Berth facility.
• Image | The official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for a feasibility study on green hydrogen at Parliament House, Queensland. (L to R) NQBP CEO Nicolas Fertin, Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen the Hon. Mick de Brenni, ITOCHU Australia Brisbane Office General Manager Etsuo Kiyota, Minster for Transport and Main Roads the Hon. Mark Bailey and Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure (DBI) CEO Anthony Timbrell.
• Image | Aerial of the Port of Mackay.
• Image | It was a record year at the Port of Mackay with a 12.7% increase in throughput. This included a delivery of CAT haul trucks from Texas, USA, and bound for the Bowen Basin.

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation contact:

Amanda Blines | Senior Advisor Brand and Communications
0439 703 330 | ablines@nqbp.com.au