Early works start at Port Hinchinbrook

• The Crisafulli Government has taken a major step forward to deliver a long-awaited solution for Port Hinchinbrook, with early works underway.
• The Crisafulli Government has acquired multiple key sites within Queensland’s first Provisional Priority Development Area (PPDA) to start preparation for dredging.
• The milestone comes after extensive community engagement within the region and a commitment during the Hinchinbrook by-election.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and a fresh start for regional Queensland after a decade of decline under Labor. 

Port Hinchinbrook is a step closer to returning to a thriving destination with early works commencing in preparation of dredging and restoration.  

The Crisafulli Government has acquired multiple key sites within the Port Hinchinbrook PPDA, through Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) in a major step forward to deliver a long-awaited solution.  

Following community consultation, the State’s first-ever Provisional Land Use Plan also comes into effect – outlining the planning framework to help guide the site’s restoration and future development. 

Both the plan and land acquisition allow for the start of early works, with initial repair works to stop acid sulphate soils from leaching into the surrounding mangroves, as soon as weather and ground conditions allow. 

Having further explored options and costings for the dredging work, EDQ is procuring a lead contractor to manage the technical experts and work crews needed on site. 

The conformed deed which sits over the property will be extinguished.

The milestone comes after the Port Hinchinbrook PPDA was declared in October last year – a landmark move which saw the establishment of Queensland’s first ever PPDA – after the area was devastated by Cyclone Yasi in 2011. 

Premier David Crisafulli said the milestone was testament to the Government’s unwavering commitment to delivering a solution to a long-running issue. 

“The proud people of Far North Queensland deserve a fast-tracked solution and that’s what are delivering,” Premier Crisafulli said. 

“With land acquisition and the Provisional Land Use Plan in place as of today, we are wasting no time starting early works on this important project. 

“We are delivering on our promise to restore Port Hinchinbrook as a thriving tourism, commercial and residential precinct. 

“This is all about delivering a fresh start and plan for Queensland’s future to restore jobs, tourism and growth to this great part of our State.”  

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the Queensland Government was focused on swiftly securing a long-term solution to a complex challenge. 

“While moving quickly, EDQ is also doing things the right way – solving a wide range of long-running complex issues that have been left unchecked for way too long,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said. 

"Labor left this hidden gem wither on the vine for more than a decade, we've got cracking quickly to fix a long running problem that is a vital asset for the Far North.

“A huge thank you to the local community, industry, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council and other local stakeholders for their support in helping us reach this milestone.