This year Weipa is preparing to grow its live export market with the support of the port operator, North Queensland Bulk Ports, and the Cape York Live Export Group.

Cape York Live Export Group president John Witherspoon said the Weipa port offers beef producers more choices when it comes to marketing their cattle.

"The port really opens the Cape up and gives people a chance to sell directly to the live export market instead of sending the livestock to Townsville," Mr Witherspoon said.

Weipa's port will service two boats this year, with the first shipment out during April or May, which will be filled with 4000 head of cattle by association with Elders, followed by another in August or September.

Mr Witherspoon, who owns a property 65km from Weipa, York Downs, is planning to utilise a set of holding yards for cattle moving through to the port and on to South East Asia.

Mr Witherspoon said Weipa's port has the potential to see more livestock move through the facilities if the price is high, inducing beef producers to sell through the live export market, rather than Townsville or Darwin.