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Port of Townsville half-yearly trade update
The halfway mark in the financial year has delivered positive trade results for Port of Townsville. To the end of Q2, throughput at the Townsville and Lucinda ports totalled 4.1 million tonnes, comprising 1.3 million tonnes imported and 2.8 million tonnes exported. Some strong performers have delivered a particularly positive outlook for growers, miners and car retailers across the region. Half-year Trade Highlights: Motor vehicle imports performed 36.8 per cent higher than the same period last year, prompting the Port to raise its expectations for the full financial year to more than 18,500 vehicles arriving through Townsville. Indonesia has become a top export market for raw sugar, increasing 67 per cent on the same period last year. On-budget exports to Japan and South Korea, and a 10-year high for raw sugar prices is further good news for growers across the Burdekin and Hinchinbrook regions. More than 90,000 head of cattle were exported via Townsville to the end of Q2, more than doubling (+131.6%) the volume for the same period last year. With cattle prices stabilising and Indonesia lifting its ban on Australian cattle, Port of Townsville has raised its annual forecast to 140,000 head. Relatively new commodities trading through the Port of Townsville have started to hit their stride with exports of phosphate rock 2.5 times higher than the same period last year, aquaculture feed surging 70 per cent year to date and exports of sorghum grain almost doubling on the same period last year. Port of Townsville General Manager Customer, Operations and Safety Drew Penny said it’s typical for seasonal factors to produce a strong start to the year for some trades and a slower one for others. “As north Australia’s largest multi-cargo port, Townsville is accustomed to seeing products such as sugar and molasses perform well at the start of the financial year, and drop off at the end of the season, making way for an uptick in other trades,” Mr Penny said. “The diversity of North Queensland’s trade is what makes us so resilient as a port and as a region. “It’s promising to see some of our newer commodities finding their footing as production ramps up on phosphate rock and bulk grain handler Sizer & Cogill begins to utilise their new depot at Mount McLaren to help local growers reach international markets via Townsville. We look forward to seeing new and emerging trades develop further as the Port continues to grow and new projects across North Australia come to fruition.” Resources and Critical Minerals Minister and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Port of Townsville was at the heart of Townsville’s economy. “It’s exciting to see the diversity of commodities that go through our port,” he said. “Phosphate is an incredibly important material and there is a huge demand for it throughout the world and North Queensland is ready to take advantage of that.” More than $10 billion worth of goods are traded through the Townsville and Lucinda Ports each year. Trade through Townsville Port is expected to triple by 2050.
Port offers $50,000 for community-minded projects
Applications for Port of Townsville’s 2024 Community Fund are now open, offering $50,000 to support not-for-profits, community groups, and school projects across North Queensland. Now in its fourth year, the Community Fund has already backed 50 community projects with a combined value of more than $2.5 million. Port of Townsville Chief Executive Officer Ranee Crosby said the Fund is committed to supporting local initiatives that align with the Port's strategic vision for improved sustainability in four key areas: community, people, planet and prosperity. "We're proud to have funded a diverse range of projects through previous rounds of the Community Fund," said Ms Crosby. "Last year’s projects ranged from the purchase of two Automated External Defibrillators for the Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club and support for five new Story Dogs teams to visit local schools, to the purchase of a coffee cart to enable Happy Vibes Café to train and employ locals with disabilities.” Ms Crosby encouraged community groups from across the Port’s North Queensland catchment area to apply. "While our Port is based in Townsville, we recognise that our operations impact communities in Hinchinbrook, the Burdekin, Charters Towers, and the North West. We are eager to ensure that the Community Fund benefits these regions as well.” Director of Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts Kate O’Hara said the Port's Community Fund supported the development of two Townsville-based First Nations artists in 2023. "The Port's Community Fund helped us support the mentorship of two local First Nations artists to participate in a mentorship program with Gail Mabo, create new artwork and represent Townsville artists at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.” “The funding has not only helped us engage First Nations artists in meaningful work where they can safely express themselves, but also increased their profile among other galleries and museums, assisting them with sales and future opportunities,” said Ms O’Hara. Applications to the Port of Townsville’s 2024 Community Fund are open until 4 March 2024.