Dredging spoils argument in Oz

Last month, Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt granted approval for the state-owned North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) to dredge three million cubic metres of material around Abbot Point.

The issuing of a permit for offshore disposal of the dredge spoil was placed in the hands of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), which was to decide whether to approve or reject the proposed dumping location by 24 December, but it deferred its decision until January 31.

This is yet another example of the difficulties that ports face when bearing the brunt of the restrictions that come with being located in the vicinity of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Site.

Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) is facing a similar situation. The federal government has asked the port authority to consider only onshore dumping of dredge spoils from its proposed second sea lane construction project.

The issue has once again stirred up the conservation debate among those who want dredging banned across the entire World Heritage area.

The Australian Marine Conservation Society has welcomed the announcement of an inquiry into the leaking bund wall in Gladstone and said no further port development approvals should be allowed on the reef until the truth about Gladstone is fully understood.

Felicity Wishart, Great Barrier Reef campaign director, Australian Marine Conservation Society, said there had clearly been problems associated with dredging that had damaged the environment and the interests of the community.

“Gladstone has been a disaster. Dredging, dumping and massive gas hubs have wrecked what was once a beautiful place,” she said.