Construction begins on new container depot at the Port of Mackay

A 1.3-hectare container depot is now under construction at the Port of Mackay in Queensland as part of the Crisafulli Government’s plan to deliver a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.

North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) is building the container port that will, for the first time, enable regular containerised imports and exports directly through Mackay.

The container depot will be a scalable facility with the capability of handling both full and empty containers.

“This is the Crisafulli Government backing regional Queensland with real infrastructure that strengthens the economy and supports local jobs.

“This project will improve road safety, get trucks off the Bruce Highway, and help build a stronger economy in North Queensland,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said.

Key features of the depot include:

• Reefer tower – a dedicated reefer tower with 48 plugs will provide robust capacity for refrigerated cargo, with the ability to double the number of plugs as trade volumes increase
• Optimised for flexible, safe and efficient operations – the depot will be constructed on heavy-duty pavement, and its layout will be optimised for flexible and efficient operations. It will include adaptable traffic lanes and clearly defined safety buffers to ensure safe and reliable movement of containers
• Direct road access – designed to enable seamless import and export activity, the depot will have direct road access to the northern Queensland hinterland
• ITV Flow – to ensure integrated container flows, the depot will also manage all wharf transfers using high-productivity Intra Terminal Vehicles (ITV). This approach will ensure that all horizontal container movements between the quay and the yard are seamlessly incorporated into landside gate operations, creating a continuous, congestion-free flow. Vessel operations themselves will remain coordinated between the shipping lines and stevedores, while the ITV-supported transfer process guarantees efficient handoff and yard management

The container depot will generate jobs both during its construction and long-term operations while providing local businesses and producers with a more efficient, cost-effective pathway to domestic and international markets.

The container depot at the Port of Mackay is due to be completed and commissioned by mid to late 2026. NQBP has awarded the construction contract to Ward Civil & Engineering in December 2025.

With the new container depot that allows goods to move directly through Mackay, importers and exporters will no longer have to route freight through faraway ports such as Brisbane. Not only will this reduce costs, but it will also help speed up turnaround times and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness.

“Mackay’s strategic location – close to major mining and agricultural hubs – means industries can rely on a more robust and flexible logistics network with a dedicated container facility at the port.

“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.

“As well as safer roads and more efficient trade, having a local container facility also strengthens the region’s supply chain against weather disruptions and reduces transport emissions.

“NQBP market studies show a strong demand in the region for the depot, with a steady build-up of trade in the coming years to around 7,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) a year through Mackay.

“Built for heavy-duty performance, it will be a reach-stacker ready, have reefer capacity, efficient empty container management and set up to handle growth from day one,” North Queensland Bulk Ports CEO Brendan Webb said.

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (1, 2)