Vessels that visit ports within the Region provide important services to adjacent communities, such as economic benefit. Between 2021 and 2022, exports of Queensland goods overseas increased $56.7 billion to $137.2 billion.1470 In 2022, mineral fuels and lubricants, such as coal, was the largest export commodity with a value of $82.9 billion. This commodity also experienced the largest annual increase in value, increasing by 136.7 per cent or $48 billion when compared to 2021.
Export value of mineral fuels and lubricants increased by 137 per cent in 2022
Cruise ships and superyachts bring economic benefits to townships throughout Australia as the respective tourism and recreational industries benefit from visitors to their region.1456 In the 2022–23 financial year, cruise ships spent a total of 491 days along Queensland shores, bringing1,130,422 passengers.1471 During this period, Queensland generated the second‑largest economic impact from the cruise ship industry in Australia, with a total economic output of $1.69 billion. This was a 10 per cent increase in Queensland’s share of the total economic output for the Australian cruise industry since the 2018–19 financial year.
In addition to the direct economic benefit that shipping provides, these industries employ staff from coastal communities. Cruise tourism also employs 2658 full-time staff in Queensland, paying $248 million in wages.1456 At a local scale, cruise ships contributed approximately $2.3 million into business across Townsville and the surrounding regions in the 2022–23 financial year.1457 The Australian Maritime Safety Authority employs 14 marine surveyors at five ports in the north-east who carry out port State control inspections in addition to marine surveys.1469
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