Draft Great Barrier Reef Ports Strategy released

The Newman Government’s approach to future port development and planning in the Great Barrier Reef region is outlined in a new strategy paper.

The draft Great Barrier Reef Ports Strategy will be released tomorrow for public consultation.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Strategy presents the principles which will guide the Government’s approach to future port development over the next decade.

“Port development is essential for growth of the State’s economy, but so too is protection of our greatest environmental asset – the Great Barrier Reef,” Mr Seeney said.

“Through this Strategy the Government will balance environmental protection and economic prosperity.

“This Government is committed to a balanced and incremental approach to port development and ensuring Queensland has the infrastructure in place to grow a four pillar economy.”

“We will confine future development to the existing major ports where there is considerable scope for future development at Abbot Point, at Dudgeon Point in the Port of Hay Point and at several locations such as Balaclava Island and Port Alma in the Port of Gladstone.

“We are going to support the economic development of Queensland, but we will also make sure that we protect the environment as new projects come up for assessment.

“It is clear the reef needs protection.

“This strategy is about working with ports and industry to appropriately manage their future sustainability, taking into consideration the impacts of development.”

Mr Seeney said the draft Great Barrier Reef Ports Strategy supports the strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef Coastal Zone being undertaken jointly by the State and Federal Governments.

It also responds in part to the UNESCO report of June 2011 expressing concern at the rate of proposed port development within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. 

Mr Seeney said the draft strategy was out for public consultation from tomorrow until mid-December and could be downloaded from www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/gbrportsstrategy

“We are looking for feedback about further opportunities to work with industry and the community.

“I encourage all interested parties to make a submission and have their say on this strategy.”

The results of consultation of the Great Barrier Reef Port Strategy will be a rich source of data for a Queensland Ports Strategy.

In July, Queensland signed up to the National Ports Strategy along with all other state governments.  The overriding aim of the National Ports Strategy is improving the integration and performance of Australia’s ports. 

“The timely release of this Strategy demonstrates how committed this Government is to delivering outcomes to improve Queensland’s infrastructure,” Mr Seeney said. 

[ENDS] 31 October 2012

Media Contact: John Wiseman – 0409 791 281