Reef protection at heart of planning

Future development of the Port of Abbot Point in north Queensland would be done with protection of the Great Barrier Reef at the forefront of all planning, Acting Premier Jeff Seeney said today. 

Mr Seeney’s comments follow the release of a Draft Public Environmental Report for dredging at Abbot Point and more alarmist claims that any development will destroy the reef. 

“There are groups which are opposed to everything. They greet every proposed development within Queensland with claims that it will doom the reef,” Mr Seeney said.  

“This latest environmental report is available for public comment and submissions on its content. 

“One of the things we see every time one of these reports is released is the over the top claims from the anti-everything groups which want to stop development completely. 

“The green doomsayers will have to do better than constantly criticise and oppose. They should argue their concerns, based on science, rather than emotive claims, and they should put their arguments in submissions to North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation.” 

Mr Seeney said the Newman Government would make decisions based on science and all proposals would be considered with environmental protection given prime consideration. 

“This government understands the importance of protecting the Great Barrier Reef and will ensure that it is protected,” he said. 

“Development will only proceed after stringent environmental study and a stringent environmental approvals process. 

“The Newman Government wiped Labor’s plans for massive development at Abbot Point that would have involved the dredging of 35 million cubic metres of sediment. 

“This report studies the dredging of 3 million cubic metres of sediment. 

“I reject any suggestion that this government will allow harm to the reef.” 

[ENDS] 7 January 2013

Media Contact: John Wiseman 0409 791 281