PORT THROUGHPUT
CURRENT PROJECTS
Maintenance Dredging
Maintenance Dredging

Annual maintenance dredging is required in the 15-kilometre South Channel, ensuring the declared depth is maintained to enable the safe passage of ships through to the Port of Weipa.

Dredging addresses siltation resulting from natural movement of the seabed material in Albatross Bay. In October 2011, the month-long, annual dredging was completed and the South Channel Insurance profile restored. The dredged material was then relocated to the Albatross Bay disposal ground, in line with environmental requirements.
COMM UNITY

NQBP is proud to support its local community in Weipa. Through the Corporate Communities Program, NQBP has demonstrated its commitment by supporting local organisations.
Meeting minutes, agendas and notices

Weipa Meeting Minutes, Agendas and Votices

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In 1606, Weipa was the site of the first recorded landing in Australia by European (Dutch) voyagers. Two centuries later, in 1802, navigator Captain Matthew Flinders recorded the red cliffs at Weipa when sailing along the western shore of Cape York.
In the twentieth century, Weipa was discovered to be rich in bauxite, the reddish-brown ore that is the source of aluminium. This led to the development of the Port of Weipa.

  • In 1955, Australian Geologist Harry Evans discovered the Weipa bauxite ore deposits.
  • One year later, the Commonwealth Aluminium Corporation Pty Limited was formed to develop the Weipa bauxite deposits.
  • In 1957 Weipa was selected out of three locations as the best site for an export port. Dredging of sand banks near the river mouth was required and before this was completed, trial shipments of bauxite were already leaving the port to Japan.
  • The port was operated by the Commonwealth Aluminium Corporation Pty Limited (Comalco) until 1965 when control of the port was passed from the company to the Corporation of the Treasurer of Queensland.