Queensland passes ports bill

The new legislation will provide more opportunity for public consultation and will enable the creation of master plans for the four ports of Gladstone, Abbot Point, Townsville and Hay Point.

Planning is already underway at Gladstone and during the course of this year will be started at the other ports.
The Queensland Government accepted all 13 recommendations made by the Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee, either in full or in principle.

At Cairns, amendments have been made to dredging restrictions at the port. Under the relaxed allowances, Ports North will be able to remove up to 50,000 cubic metres of material for a single project and up to 150,000 cubic metres in any four-year period. This will be reviewed after the first four years are up.

In the meantime, the Cairns Shipping Development project will continue through its Environmental Impact Statement process, due to the fact it began before the legislation was introduced. Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt says the changes are about striking a balance that protects the environment and supports economic development, jobs and future trade growth in the far north. Ports minister Mark Bailey says future development at Cairns can now continue without negatively impacting the Barrier Reef, with dredgings not being disposed of at sea.