LONDON: The Minister for State Development has rejected calls to list the ports of Cairns and Mourilyan, in far north Queensland, as ‘priority ports’.
In his response to a petition signed by more than 6,000 people, Minister Anthony Lynham reiterated he would not allow major development at the ports.
Petitioners want the ports of Cairns and Mourilyan listed as priority ports to allow development that would otherwise be restricted, such as capital dredging.
There is a counter petition of more than 1,600 signatures.
Under the Government’s new ports bill, which is yet to be debated in Parliament, major development would be restricted to existing bulk commodity ports of Gladstone, Hay Point and Mackay, Abbott Point and Townsville.
Dr Lynham said the bill was aimed at protecting the Great Barrier Reef and the Government would maintain its commitment to UNESCO.
Local business leaders have long been pushing for the dredging of Trinity Inlet to boost economic development.
Dr Lynham said he acknowledged the Port of Cairns was important for the local economy.
Shipping activity at Port Qasim on February 11
KARACHI: Three ships namely, Glen Canyon, Al-Salam- II and TSM Pollux carrying Containers, Gas oil and Palm oil were arranged...
