Miles Government moves to save Port Hinchinbrook

• Miles Labor Government steps in to back Port Hinchinbrook.
• $7 million allocated to complete sewerage treatment works.
• Partnership with Economic Development Queensland to acquire underutilised land in the port development precinct.

Premier Steven Miles has today announced a much-needed boost for the Hinchinbrook region –providing funding to complete the necessary sewerage treatment works and stepping in to acquire land in the area, if necessary.

The sewerage treatment plant and roads were compulsorily acquired by the State in 2022 and were vested to the Cassowary Coast Regional Council for remediation. 

The State Government will immediately commit $7 million to the Cassowary Coast Regional Council to meet further costs related to the Port Hinchinbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant.

Additional State funding builds on $12.3 million in existing joint State and Commonwealth funding, following advice from the Council that the total project costs have increased. 

The state will also direct Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) to commence negotiations to acquire necessary land, left underutilised with diminishing amenity.

EDQ will be responsible for acquiring the necessary land and, if the Miles Labor Government is elected in October, arrange for dredging of Stoney Creek/One Mile Creek canal in the first instance.

The exact nature of the works EDQ will undertake will be subject to comprehensive due diligence to better understand all aspects of the site, liabilities and development obligations.

Once completed, EDQ will put the site on the open market for further development.  

The move follows strong advocacy from the Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto and continuing requests for government intervention to resolve long-standing issues left in the wake of Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“I want to see Port Hinchinbrook get back on track.

“This area has so much potential, not only for local residents and businesses but for tourism opportunities.

“Instead, locals have been left behind for too long.

“Only my government will do what matters to fix Port Hinchinbrook and deliver the sewerage treatment plant.

“I want to thank Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto for raising this issue with me, and for advocating for a better outcome for locals.”

ENDS