NORTH QUEENSLAND PORTS: A parliamentary committee is currently considering the Sustainable Ports Development Bill, which the State Government said would protect the World Heritage area from dredging, dumping and port expansion.
Yesterday, the committee met groups in Mackay to discuss the bill. The legislation will only allow capital dredging at Gladstone, Mackay, Abbot Point and Townsville.
In its submission, the Port of Townsville said unless changes were made to the current proposal, some projects due to be finished over the next few years would have to be delayed.
It has asked for changes to the bill allowing for dredging and the re-use of spoil for projects close to completion. North Queensland Bulk Ports said while it supported the bill, its current wording would stop development in “large parts” of some ports.
It has also asked for minor capital dredging works to be excluded to allow for improvements in safety or port efficiency. Conservation groups have called for the issue of maintenance dredging to be considered.
