The live export trade has been a lifeline to the North Queensland cattle industry in 2009, and indications are that the trade will continue to be just as strong, if not stronger, throughout 2010.

Although the port of Karumba has always been restricted because of its depth, 17,000 head of cattle were shipped out in 2009, and Mr Grose hoped to increase that number in 2010.

"There are properties in the Gulf that run up to 50,000 cattle, and Karumba gives them a better access to the live export market," Mr Grose said.

He said he realised the Century Mine port facility could close within six years and that dredging of the port could cease then, but was confident talks with the port authority would have a positive outcome.

"We also believe that there will be more ships built that can access Karumba," Mr Grose said.

SEALS is part of the Northern Territory Livestock Association established in 1980 to develop live export across northern Australia.

The Northern Territory has long been the leader in the field of live export, but this year cattle proved hard to access, and by June the number exported from Darwin was almost 20,000 head down on the previous year.

If that trend continues in 2010, Karumba is likely to play a much bigger role in the live cattle market.

The facility was previously owned by Syd Faithful's Sea Swift Company, a leading North Queensland shipping company which operates cargo and passenger services to most northern Australian ports.