Major milestone for new Port of Mackay container depot

NQBP CEO Brendan Webb and Ward Civil Senior Project Engineer Michele Guild 1
NQBP CEO Brendan Webb and Ward Civil Senior Project Engineer Michele Guild. | Photo: Supplied by NQBP

Concrete pouring has begun on the new Port of Mackay container depot being built on a 1.3 hectare site in the Queensland regional city.

The facility was announced last year to improve turnaround times and lower logistics costs for Central Queensland industries including mining, agriculture and manufacturing.

Ward Civil & Environmental Engineering was awarded the construction contract and started works on the site earlier this year.

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) CEO Brendan Webb said the first concrete pour was an important milestone.

“Designed for heavy-duty operations, the facility will be reach-stacker ready, include refrigerated container capability and support efficient empty container management, while allowing for future growth,” Mr Webb said.

“Once complete, local businesses and producers will have the opportunity to send and receive goods closer to where they operate, saving time, reducing costs and boosting local jobs.

“With its strategic location, multi-cargo capability and well-established regional links, the Port of Mackay plays a crucial role in connecting Queensland to the world.”

State Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the project was a strong vote of confidence in the Mackay region.

“Central Queensland businesses produce goods the world wants, but they need reliable freight connections to get those products to market,” Mr Kelly said.

Ward Civil Senior Project Engineer Michele Guild said the project was progressing wel.

Early works were now complete, including the demolition of the existing concrete slab, earthworks, drainage and foundation preparation.

“Over the next six weeks crews will work six days a week to construct the foundations of the Port of Mackay Container Depot, Ms Guild said.

“The works involve 39 concrete pours in total, with each pour requiring approximately 125 cubic metres of concrete, which is the equivalent of roughly around 21 truckloads per day.”

The project is expected to be completed late 2026.

More details are available on the project website.

NQBP - Container Depot Construction Site Aerial Photo 1
The Container Depot Construction Site in Mackay. | Photo" NQBP
NQBP - Aerial Container Depot Concrete Pour 2
The concrete pour on the new Mackay container depot begins. | Photo: NQBP