Since 2023, GSD has been investigating the sustainable development of the Port of Karumba, a strategic infrastructure priority for the Gulf Savannah region. Karumba is the only port located in the North West Minerals Province.
GSD is working closely with regional stakeholders, including Ports North, Councils and industry, to explore development of Karumba as a key regional export and import pathway to complement existing export pathways through Townsville and facilitate increased minerals exports from the North West Minerals Province.
With a focus on maximising the utilisation of the Port of Karumba to grow exports and imports for the Gulf Savannah region and North West Minerals Province (NWMP), in 2025 and 2025 GSD delivered Stage 1 of the Port of Karumba Sustainable Development Project:
- Desktop review and analysis of previous reports, research and studies
- Stakeholder and community engagement to identify options and priorities
- Business Case Development, including cost benefit analysis of:
- Economic benefit/contribution of current Port operations
- Potential future economic development of the Port (by industry, if applicable)
- Project management
The project was completed in 2026.
Port of Karumba Preliminary Business Case
Under Stage 1 of the Port of Karumba Sustainable Development Project, GSD engaged with over 1,000 stakeholders, conducted a desktop review of existing literature, and prepared a summary of economic development opportunities for the Gulf Savannah region and Port of Karumba.
Regional Economic Advisory was engaged to develop a Port of Karumba Preliminary Business Case.
This stage 1 project was delivered using Remote Area Board funding provided by the Queensland Government.
Summary:
The Preliminary Business Case (PBC) assessed three scenarios unlocking identified mining, agricultural, and tourism opportunities.
The scenarios showed the potential for a positive net socio-economic benefit to the State of Queensland compared to the Base Case (closure of the Port’s major commercial operations post the current zinc tailings processing). The future scenarios are sensitive to key market and infrastructure cost risks at the central 6% social discount rate.
The PBC recommends that the analysis move to a Detailed Business Case (DBC), with a focus on the nearer-term development of a phosphate supply chain utilising the Port of Karumba, and specifically the PhosOne project which has substantial operational synergies leveraging the existing port and supply chain infrastructure (Scenario 1 in the PBC).
Port and road infrastructure that enables export pathways also supports community and business access to the Port and Karumba township, strengthening regional resilience.
Downloads
We’ve compiled a list of key steps to help you understand what it takes to start a station stay business.
You might also find it helpful to refer to as you navigate through the establishment process.
This list of key steps will help you on your way, but we encourage you to work through the rest of the manual for more detailed information on the establishment process.
Regions Represented
GSD strives to represent all people, businesses, corporations in the Gulf Region, lobbying for greater funding and support from higher government institutions.
We also work closely with other LGAs surrounding the Gulf Savannah region to leverage opportunities, strengthen our regional economic development approaches, and develop joint initiatives.
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