The ports of Mackay, Hay Point and Abbot Point contribute an impressive $31.7 billion annually to the state’s economy, a new economic impact study has revealed.
The study, conducted by independent experts Prominence and commissioned by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP), 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,” 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 study, released today at a breakfast hosted by NQBP in conjunction with the Resource Industry Network, 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 per cent), followed by exports of thermal coal, bauxite and sugar.
“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. Together, our ports and the people who power them make a mighty contribution to the Queensland economy,” Webb said.
“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 per cent 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.”
The employment impact is greatest in regions where trade facilitated by the export of metallurgical coal drives significant economic activity.
