North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation

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Mackay, QLD
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation

As a leading port authority, NQBP is proud to be part of North Queensland communities. For more information visit www.nqbp.com.au

We are one of Australia’s largest port authorities by tonnage throughput and more than half of Queensland's trade, by tonnage, pass through our ports. The port facilities we manage are vital to the export and import performance of Queensland and Australia. Our ports handle bulk shipments of coal, bauxite, sand, sugar, grain, petroleum and general cargo. We are dedicated to healthy port environment

s and our strict environmental management has gone hand in hand with a significant contribution to the economy. Our environmental management plans for all four ports are internationally accredited AS/NZS ISO 14001 which demonstrates thorough environmental performance and our commitment to environmental management. As a port authority, NQBP is responsible for:
• strategic port planning
• port business development
• port infrastructure development
• environmental management and marine pollution (within port limits)
• port security and safety
• port efficiency
• port pilotage at Mackay and Hay Point
• maintaining navigable port depths for shipping
• issuing licences, leases and permits to other organisations for use of port land, infrastructure, and facilities.

08/09/2026

Could your maritime experience take you somewhere new? ⚓

We’re looking for a Trainee Marine Pilot to join our Pilotage Services team at the Port of Hay Point.

It’s an opportunity for an experienced marine professional to build on their ship-handling skills and receive structured training and mentoring to develop a career in pilotage.

Based in Mackay, the permanent full-time role will see you working with bridge teams, tug crews, linespersons and other stakeholders to help safely and efficiently move vessels through the port.

Ready to take the next step?

👉 Apply now: https://ow.ly/8grV50ZKttW

04/09/2026

The Höegh Australis at Berth 3, Port of Mackay. The first Aurora class vessel to call this port.

Five Caterpillar 793F dump trucks started their journey with Freightplus managing the shipment as freight forwarder.

The cargo was loaded aboard the Höegh Autoliners Australis in Antwerp, Belgium. With 14 decks and multi fuel capability, she’s amongst the most environmentally advanced pure car and truck carrier in operation.

Thanks to our people and port partners Freightplus, Höegh Autoliners, NSS - Northern Stevedoring Services, Boluda Towage Australasia and Seaway for making this shipment possible.

Another great example of the Port of Mackay’s capability to handle specialised break bulk cargo.

28/08/2026

Not too long ago Jasmine and Luke were sitting in a year 10 classroom thinking about their career opportunities.

Last week they were standing in front of one sharing what it is really like to work at the Port of Mackay.

It's National Skills Week and Year 10 students who took part in the annual Mackay Engineering College Try Trade program recently visited our port. They heard from two of our own, Apprentice Horticulture Jasmine and Apprentice Plumber Luke.

Alongside their time with us, the group toured the Resource Centre of Excellence building a picture of the career pathways that sit under the engineering banner.

We think working in ports is the best job going, and we are pleased to show the next generation the opportunities on offer at the Port of Mackay.

Thanks to our port partners Boluda Towage Australasia and Maritime Safety Queensland for helping us show the students what it's like to work in ports.

26/08/2026

🎂 Happy 87th Birthday Port of Mackay.

On 26 August 1939, the Honourable W. Forgan Smith, then Premier of Queensland and Member for Mackay, officially opened Mackay Harbour.

It was declared a work of national importance and more than 10,000 people joined to cheer the Blue Star liner 'Sydney Star' in from Brisbane.

It was a big moment for the region. But the real story is our people and port partners who keep this region moving.

Sugar and grain from local farms, machinery and fuel that keep the Bowen Basin going. It all moves through our Port of Mackay connecting Queensland to the world.

Thank you to everyone who has helped our port grow over the last 87 years.

24/08/2026

🚧 Single lane closure on the Mackay Southern Breakwater.

As part of the Mackay Marina Esplanade works, a single lane on the breakwater will be closed, with vehicle access maintained under traffic control, today (Tuesday 25 August) and Wednesday 26 August 2026.

⏰ Between 6am and 6pm.
🚗 Road will be fully open outside of these hours.

Contractor JMAC will install balustrades and safety fencing adjacent to the Southern Breakwater gate and roadway.

We appreciate the community’s patience as these improvements take shape.

For the most up-to-date information please check the on-site signage.

20/08/2026

🏃‍♀️🏃 Mackay Southern Breakwater closed to traffic.

The breakwater will be temporarily closed from the early hours of Sunday 23 August until 12pm for the Mackay Road Runners Magic Mile event.

We're proud to support community events by providing participants with access to the breakwater.

18/08/2026

🌏 From farm gates to the port, Mackay plays a vital role in connecting Queensland sugar to the world.

Did you know Japan is the Port of Mackay’s top destination for raw sugar exports?

Last financial year, more than 315,000 tonnes were shipped to the land of the rising sun. That’s over 31% of our total raw sugar exports.

It’s a strong example of how our port is supporting regional producers and their long-standing global partnerships.

17/08/2026

Meet some of the underwater locals TropWATER scientists come across when conducting our coral monitoring program.

🐟 Papuan scorpionfish - perfectly camouflaged
🦈 Wobbegong - blending into the reef and algae
🐌 Nudibranchs - tiny, colourful sea slugs
🐍 Olive sea snakes - curious locals that often say hello to divers.

These encounters are just one part of our long-term coral monitoring program with JCU: James Cook University, Australia helping us better understand our inshore reef communities.

16/08/2026

Robots that can clean our waterways were the focus for curious minds at St John's Catholic Primary School Walkerston

They're the first school of many across Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region to take part in the 2026 Source to Sea River Rangers Innovation Challenge.

We're helping the next generation of environmental professionals go through this program delivered by Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership and STEM Punks.

13/08/2026

🙏 Thank you Weipa community for your patience.

After a 63-day program dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane has left the Port of Weipa. 👋

Thank you also to staff and contractors for their work.

Address

35-39 Outer Harbour Road
Mackay, QLD

Website

http://www.nqbp.com.au/

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