Construction is underway on a multi-million-dollar container depot at the Port of Mackay, a project expected to strengthen logistics for North Queensland’s mining sector and unlock new export opportunities for regional industry.
The 1.3-hectare facility, being delivered by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP), will for the first time enable regular containerised imports and exports directly through Mackay.
For mining companies operating across the Bowen Basin and surrounding regions, the depot is set to provide a more efficient pathway for moving equipment, spare parts, consumables and specialist components, while also supporting containerised mineral exports and mining-related goods.
Mackay is home to several major mining equipment service hubs, including those operated by FLS, Motion and Metso.
By allowing freight to move directly through Mackay, exporters and importers will no longer need to route containers through more distant ports such as Brisbane. This is expected to reduce logistics costs, shorten turnaround times and ease heavy vehicle movements along the Bruce Highway.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the project would deliver both construction employment and long-term operational roles.
“This is backing regional Queensland with real infrastructure that strengthens the economy and supports local jobs,” he said.
NQBP chief executive officer Brendan Webb said Mackay’s location near major mining and agricultural hubs made it a strategic site for expanded container trade.
“Mackay’s strategic location means industries can rely on a more robust and flexible logistics network with a dedicated container facility at the port,” Webb said.
“The new container depot will allow regional exporters and importers to move goods directly through Mackay, eliminating the need for long-haul transport to other ports.
“This unlocks significant savings in freight costs and time, while also reducing heavy vehicle traffic on the Bruce Highway.”
The facility is being built to handle current demand and future growth, with NQBP market studies forecasting trade volumes building to around 7000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) a year in coming years. The depot will be reach-stacker ready, include refrigerated (reefer) container capability and support efficient empty container management.
Ward Civil & Environmental Engineering was awarded the construction contract in December 2025, with completion scheduled for mid to late 2026.
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