Port of Mackay powering good jobs through record exports

The Port of Mackay has broken a decade-long record to post its greatest trade year by volume.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the 3.6 million tonne throughput for 2021-22 beat the previous record for 2012-13.

“One in five Queensland jobs rely on exports, and two out of five exporting businesses are based in regional Queensland,” the Treasurer said.

“Overseas trade is central to supporting good jobs, better services and our great Queensland lifestyle.

“The 3.6 million tonne throughput for 2021-22 is a 9 per cent increase on the previous record in 2012-13 and it’s nearly 13 per cent higher than the 3.2 million tonnes record in 2021-22.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the trade numbers highlighted the strength and diversity of the local economy

“Mackay’s importance to Queensland’s mining exports is well known, but this record for the Port of Mackay is built on high sugar and grain exports,” Ms Gilbert said.

“Our strength across resources, agriculture and tourism gives the Mackay economy resilience through diversity and helps to insulate us from external shocks.”

North Queensland Bulk Ports CEO Nicolas Fertin said strong fuel trade also contributed to Mackay’s record throughput.

“For petroleum, it was a record high year and a 19 per cent increase on the previous financial year (2021/22:1.84 million tonnes; 2020/21: 1.55 million tonnes),” Mr Fertin said.

“Sugar was the port’s second-largest trade at 978,000 tonnes. Grain trade saw a four-fold increase from around 60,000 to 300,000 tonnes.

“We’ve kept trade flowing safely and efficiently through Mackay during a difficult time for markets globally.

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

The Treasurer announced the record figures while visiting Port of Mackay-based business Real Time Instruments, a finalist in this year’s Premier of Queensland Export Awards.

“Businesses like Real Time Instruments have a drive and ambition which showcase how Queensland does business with the world every day,” the Treasurer said.

“This Mackay success story provides equipment to analyse bulk materials online in the coal mining, mineral processing, power generation, cement and food manufacturing industries.

“Currently, around 1000 RTI analysers are operational throughout the world, in over 60 countries and operating on every continent.”

Real Time Instruments CEO Praanesh Prasad said his business had enjoyed a long relationship with Trade and Investment Queensland which helped RTI build and expand its export capabilities and become a finalist in this year’s Queensland’s Export Awards.

“TIQ advisors throughout Queensland, Latin America, India, Africa and the Asia Pacific region have been instrumental in assisting us in moving into these markets, Mr Prasad said.

“We are grateful to the support RTI has had from TIQ over the years. In many ways they have been like an extension of our team.”

“Real Time Instruments is also thrilled to have been named as finalists in the 2022 Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards and it is a testament to our team and the incredible work they do in the innovation and technology space.”

A total of 34 companies will compete in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards across 13 categories with one category winner also awarded Queensland Exporter of the Year.

The awards will be presented at a gala event at the Royal International Convention Centre at the RNA Showgrounds on October 5.

Trade and Investment Queensland is the Queensland Government’s dedicated global business agency assisting exporters and promoting Queensland as the place to invest.

Media contact: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875