Reef protected under Abbot Point and Arrow approvals

The Newman Government has welcomed a decision from Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt to approve an expansion of the Abbot Point Coal terminal near Mackay, and Arrow’s Curtis Island Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facility and Gas Transmission line.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the approvals will provide a much needed boost to Queensland’s coal and coal seam gas industries.

“We welcome this common-sense decision from the Commonwealth Government that will encourage growth in Queensland’s resources sector and underpin future jobs in the coal and coal seam gas sector,” Mr Seeney said.

“Australia’s longest and most comprehensive assessment process has produced some of the strictest environmental conditions in Australia’s history.

“That is only right and proper given that we are protecting Australia’s and Queensland’s most important asset, the Great Barrier Reef.

“Expanding the Port of Abbot Point is crucial to opening up the rich coal resources of the Galilee Basin and we are pleased that the Abbott Government has seen fit to bring an end to Labor delays on this important project.”

Mr Seeney rejected criticism from extreme green groups that the port expansion will harm the reef environment.

“The amount of dredging that will take place at Abbot Point under this process is one-tenth of that proposed by the former Labor government,” he said.

“Labor would have allowed up to 35 million cubic metres of dredging, under the Newman Government’s environmentally responsible plan, just 3 million cubic metres will take place.”

Mr Seeney said he welcomed the Federal Government’s acceptance of the Queensland Government approach that dredge material be viewed as a valuable resource.

“The draft Queensland Ports Strategy has proposed that the material produced by dredging be used beneficially to enhance onshore port precincts,” he said.

“The beneficial use of dredge material to boost the land area of existing ports makes good common sense, and will reduce the pressure for port development in other areas.

“We need to maximise opportunities to expand existing port assets by enhancing the land area available, an approach used very successfully around the world.”

Mr Seeney said the approval of Arrow LNG infrastructure at Curtis Island near Gladstone was a significant step for Queensland’s potential fourth major gas project.

“The LNG sector has already proven itself as a crucial driver in getting the Queensland economy back on track and we welcome Federal Government support for its ongoing growth.”

[ENDS] 10 December 2013

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744