Container trade in Central Queensland is set to expand with the construction of a new container depot at the Port of Mackay.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has started work on a multi-million-dollar facility that will enable regular containerised imports and exports directly through Mackay for the first time.
The 1.3-hectare depot will support regional exporters and importers. It will strengthen supply chain resilience, improve turnaround times and cut logistics costs. It will also reduce the need to route cargo through Brisbane and other distant ports.
NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said the project will allow local businesses to move goods directly through Mackay, saving time and money while creating local jobs.
The facility will include reach-stacker capability, empty container management and refrigerated container capacity. It is designed to handle current demand and future growth.
NQBP expects container volumes to reach around 7,000 TEU per year in the coming years.
Construction was awarded to Ward Civil & Environmental Engineering in December 2025. The depot is scheduled for completion in mid to late 2026.
