About Us

Ports North is responsible for leading nine regional and remote ports in Far North Queensland. We are one of the most diverse port operators in the country, dedicated to creating economic opportunities and connecting communities.

Our network extends across maritime sectors including trade, transport, tourism, marine services and defence. It means we can significantly impact social and environmental sustainability within the communities where we work and across our industry.

With a significant presence in Cairns, we are positioned at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef welcoming visitors from around the world. We attract major cruise liners and international superyachts benefitting local businesses and we are home to a growing maritime repair, maintenance and overhaul sector.

We make sure kids can be ferried to school in the Torres Strait, and critical minerals and bulk commodities can be shipped direct from remote parts of the Cape to the world. We maintain and invest in infrastructure that creates possibilities for everyone, from families and small businesses to global corporations.

Our business is made up of more than 90 staff including port service officers, maintenance crew, project and property managers, marine pilots, compliance and community engagement specialists. We encourage a culture of performance, where our people are clear about expectations and can make decisions that benefit local communities.

Ports North is a Queensland Government-Owned Corporation (GOC) responsible to the Hon Brent Mickelberg, Minister for Transport and Main Roads and the Hon Rosslyn Bates, Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training. GOCs are services identified as essential to the economy, providing critical infrastructure to the state.

Our Vision, Mission, Values & Objectives

The Corporation’s Vision

To be a successful, sustainable port operator and a valued contributor to regional economic growth.

The Corporation’s Mission

To enable business and trade growth by:

• Providing and facilitating infrastructure
• Growing opportunities through sustainable business and regional economic development
• Connect locally and globally

The Corporation’s Values

Safe

• We are committed to providing the highest standard of safety for our workplace.

Reliable

• We will be professional and responsive in seeking to deliver excellent service to all of our internal and external customers.
• We will seek to build effective relationships with the community and our stakeholders by being a responsible corporate citizen fostering social value and economic benefit to the region.
• We are committed to compliance with governance structure and procedures, transparent and accountable reporting and management of risk.

Value Driven

• We will promote co-operation and teamwork, ethical and honest behaviour, respect and integrity while providing opportunities for staff to develop and acquire skills needed to meet our objectives.
• We are committed to sustainable outcomes by acting in a commercially astute manner while considering risk and the environmental and social impacts of our activities to deliver sustainable commercial returns to shareholders.

The Corporate Objectives are to:

• Identify and develop new trade and business opportunities and grow existing business to provide value to Ports North and its shareholders.
• Manage and develop Port property to provide sustainable commercial return to Ports North and its shareholders.
• Plan, develop and manage Port infrastructure and assets to improve Port efficiency, meet the needs of our customers and contribute to sustainable regional development.
• Maintain organisational capability and a governance system to deliver the business requirements and maintain the organisation's reputation.