Have your say on proposed agricultural hub

Queenslanders can have their say on the draft terms of reference for the environmental impact statement of a proposed new agricultural hub in North Queensland.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney welcomed the release by the Coordinator General of the draft terms of reference, saying it was the first step in a rigorous environmental assessment process for the potential Etheridge Integrated Agricultural Project.

“I encourage interested parties to comment during this process which will examine the potential environmental, economic and social impacts and opportunities of a proposed agricultural hub west of Georgetown,” Mr Seeney said.

“The environmental impact statement process should not be construed as the green light for the project to proceed – it is just the first step in what will be a lengthy and rigorous assessment of the proposed project.

“The proposal includes 240,000 hectares of grazing land, 65,000 hectares of cropping land, 18,000 hectares for water storage, and 2,000 hectares of infrastructure.

“It is proposed the enterprise will produce sugar and guar beans for Asian markets. Longer term plans include a potential sugar mill, meat processing plant, aquaculture operation and alternative energy facilities.”

Mr Seeney said members of the community can comment on the environmental impact statement’s draft terms of reference until Monday 10 February 2014. The Coordinator General will then thoroughly review the terms of reference and release the final version for the proponent to address in its environmental impact statement.

The proposed integrated agricultural project was declared a coordinated project on 23 December 2013.

The Etheridge Integrated Agricultural Project’s environmental impact statement draft terms of reference can be viewed online at www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/etheridge-project

The document is also available at the Georgetown Library, Forsayth Library and the State Library of Queensland in Brisbane.

Submissions on the drat terms of reference should be emailed to etheridge-project@coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au or posted to the Coordinator General, c/ EIS project manager— Etheridge Integrated Agricultural Project, Coordinated Project Delivery, PO Box 15517, City East Qld 4002.

[ENDS] 11 January 2014

Media Contact: Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744