Port of Townsville pulsing with agricultural exports

The Port of Townsville is building momentum as an agricultural export hub with the first bulk shipment of sorghum setting sail for China this week.

About 27,000 tonnes of sorghum sourced from across North Queensland, including the Burdekin, Richmond and Julia Creek, departed the Port, opening a new export market for regional producers.

The shipment follows the second bulk chickpea export to Pakistan, which departed Townsville earlier this week, highlighting growing opportunities for North Queensland grain and pulse producers in global markets.

Both exports were driven by Sizer & Cogill Bulk & General Carriers, with Director Chris Sizer spending years working alongside growers, industry stakeholders and the Port to establish new bulk export pathways through Townsville.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett celebrated the significant milestone and said the growth and development which has led to this first bulk sorghum shipment from the Port of Townsville provides confidence for the Crisafulli Government’s ambitious target to grow the value of primary production to $30 billion by 2030. 

“There is a significant shift underway in the North West from a traditionally grazing region into cotton, grains and pulses, providing an opportunity for diversification and enabling the region to be more resilient,” Minister Perrett said. 

“Earlier this year we announced a $5.3 million collaboration with the cotton and grains research and development arms to boost production of cotton to 100,000 bales and pulse production to $100 million per year, by 2035.

“The vital role the Port of Townsville plays in this ambition cannot be underestimated.”

Port of Townsville Acting Manager Business Development Mark Jenkins said while the Port has a long history of exporting containerised agricultural products, the first bulk export of sorghum to China marked an important step in diversifying North Queensland's export trade.

“This shipment demonstrates the growing capability of the Port of Townsville to support new agricultural export opportunities and connect North Queensland producers with international customers,” Mr Jenkins said.

"The work undertaken by Chris Sizer and his team over several years to develop the infrastructure, partnerships and supply chain needed to deliver this shipment has been exceptional."

Mr Jenkins said the shipment also showcased Townsville's unique supply chain advantages.

“Sorghum for this shipment was sourced from multiple growing regions across North Queensland, made possible by the Port's triple road train access and efficient connectivity from farm gate to vessel,” he said.

“The successful export to China highlights industry confidence in the Port's ability to facilitate large-scale bulk agricultural exports and support future trade growth across North Queensland.”

Sizer & Cogill Bulk & General Carriers Director Chris Sizer said the shipment represented the culmination of years of planning and investment to establish a viable bulk grain export pathway through Townsville.

“This has always been about giving local growers more options and creating a more efficient way to get their product to market,” Mr Sizer said.

“Seeing the first bulk sorghum shipment leave Townsville for China is a proud moment, not just for our business, but for growers and the wider industry across North Queensland.”

Mr Sizer said collaboration between Sizer & Cogill Bulk & General Carriers, Robinson Grain Trading and the Port of Townsville had been critical to bringing the shipment together.

“This export shows what can be achieved when growers, exporters, logistics providers and the Port work towards a common goal,” he said.

“We see this as the beginning of a long-term opportunity to grow bulk grain exports through Townsville.”

Robinson Grain Trading Commodity Trader Anthony Furse said increasing numbers of North Queensland growers were looking to diversify beyond traditional sugar cane and grazing operations, with favourable seasonal conditions supporting greater crop production.

“As growers started producing alternative crops, we identified strong demand for sorghum as feedstock into China,” Mr Furse said.

“This shipment is a positive outcome for growers and demonstrates the opportunities that exist for North Queensland grain in export markets. It’s a new frontier for growers.”