Qld speaks on the future of priority ports

Queenslanders will have a hand in shaping the future of the state’s priority bulk commodity ports and protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham announced at Gladstone’s Community Cabinet today that the draft guideline for priority port master planning was now open for public comment.

“The release of the draft guideline for public comment today (EDS: 2 February) is another important step forward in the master planning process for Gladstone, Abbot Point, Townsville and Hay Point/Mackay priority ports,” Dr Lynham said.

“This is another milestone towards master planning our ports to help them attract new business and industry and generate jobs.

“Masterplans will guide the future development of priority ports and their surrounding land and marine areas, while protecting our iconic Reef.

“Port master planning will help the Queensland Government:

• concentrate development in priority ports leading to more effective management of port development in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
• efficiently use existing port and supply chain infrastructure
• identify and protect land and infrastructure critical to the effective operation and future expansion of priority ports
• facilitate economic development and job creation in regional areas.”

It also spells out the process that government will follow when it works with port authorities and stakeholders to put together a master plan.  

The final guideline, incorporating public input, should be published by mid-2016.

Minister for Ports Mark Bailey said master planning is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitments to UNESCO under the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan.

“It is mandated under the Sustainable Ports Development Act passed in Parliament in November last year,” Mr Bailey said.

“Master planning protects areas for future services that a port and its supply chain need, such as shipping channels, berth pockets and swing basins in marine areas, and land corridors for roads, rail lines, gas and water pipelines and power lines.

"It will help make our port precincts attractive investment options for potential new business and development.”

The public consultation on the draft guideline runs until 14 March 2016.

Meanwhile in Gladstone, the master planning process passed another milestone with formal notice going to the Port Authority and Gladstone Regional Council to officially commence the process under the legislation.

“Draft port master planning documentation for Gladstone is being developed and is expected to be out for public comment mid-year,” Dr Lynham said.

Master planning will commence for Abbot Point and Townsville this year and Hay Point/Mackay in 2017.

View the draft guideline online at statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/sustainableports or at:

• Brisbane Square Library, 266 George Street, Brisbane
• Bowen Library, 67 Herbert Street, Bowen
• Gladstone City Library, 39 Goondoon Street, Gladstone 
• Mackay City Library, Gordon Street, Mackay
• Townsville Flinders Street Library, Level 1, 280 Flinders Mall, Townsville.
  
  To make a submission:

• go online at statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/sustainableports
• mail to Project Manager, Project Development – Priority Ports, Department of State Development, PO Box 15009, City East, Queensland 4002
  
  

EDS: 

Download low resolution image of port boundary

Download high resolution image of port boundary

Download low resolution image of master-planning coversheet  

Download high resolution image of master-planning coversheet

[ENDS]                      February 2, 2015

Media contact:           Minister Lynham: Jan Martin           0439 341 314 

                              Minister Bailey: Tim Shipstone         0419 246 157