A new report has highlighted the multi-billion-dollar contribution the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) makes to local, state and national economies.
North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) commissioned the study to examine the economic and social impact of three Queensland east coast ports it is port authority for: Hay Point, Mackay, and Abbot Point. The NQXT is located within the Port of Abbot Point.
The study found activity at the Port of Abbot Point contributes almost $10 billion to the Queensland economy each year and supports more than 8000 jobs across the mining, construction, transport and wholesale trade industries.
NQXT general manager Mark Smith said the report was further evidence of the importance of the coal terminal’s role as a critical trade gateway for Australia’s second largest export commodity.
“The North Queensland Export Terminal has been helping its customers safely, efficiently and responsibly export thermal and metallurgical coal to the world since 1984,” Smith said.
“That work facilitates billions of dollars in taxes and royalties each year which the Queensland and Federal Governments use to pay for vital services such as health, education, childcare, aged care and defence.
“The operation and maintenance of the terminal infrastructure also provides employment for more than 400 men and women, the vast majority of who live locally in the Whitsunday region.”
Smith said the money these workers earn not only makes a difference to them and their families, but to the prosperity of towns and cities like Townsville, Bowen, Collinsville, and Mackay.
“If you look further afield, the Queensland thermal and metallurgical coal shipped to the world through the terminal also provides the affordable, reliable energy that is working in concert with renewables to lift the poorest people in nations like India, Vietnam, and the Philippines out of poverty,” he said.
“We congratulate NQBP on doing the work to show how important all the ports in the NQBP family are to the state and national economies, and to our local communities.”
NQBP chief executive officer Brendan Webb said the report also celebrated the commitment and hard work of the men and women from across the port supply chain.
“From terminal operators, customers and marine pilots, to miners, cane growers and so many more – safe and efficient ports are only possible because of the collective efforts of the pioneering people of our regions,” Webb said.
“With a track record of infrastructure improvements over the past decade, we will continue to invest in our ports, people and operations in support of the vital role they play in the prosperity of Queensland.”
