Auckland Point Terminal will process one shipment per month, making it the second largest log export operation behind the Port of Portland in Victoria, which processes one and a half shipments each month.
The new log and woodchip export trade is the result of a partnership between GPC and HQ Plantations, the largest plantation company in Queensland, and is a collaborative effort to salvage timber plantations that were impacted in the Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Marcia earlier this year.
GPC has been working closely with HQ Plantations to finalise a contract to commence export of the damaged trees and woodchip from Auckland Point.
The export of logs has recently commenced, with the first shipment of 38,000 tonnes of logs to China in July. It is envisaged that woodchip exports will commence in September.
The woodchip operations include chipping, stockpiling and export, and will be coordinated by HQ Plantations.
The operations include the transportation of timber from the plantation areas in Byfield (north of Yeppoon), to HQ Plantation’s wood chipping facility in Yarwun. The woodchip is then transferred from the chipping facility to Auckland Point Terminal via the Port Access Road, with all truck loads covered to minimise dust.
Craig Doyle, CEO said: “We feel that the future of GPC is strong, with trade projected to grow to nearly 145 million tonnes handled within the next five years and the Port of Gladstone is on track to be Australia’s largest multi-cargo port by the end of the decade.
“We believe we can also significantly increase trade through Bundaberg and Rockhampton ports over the next few years,” Mr Doyle said.