Posted on October 3, 2017
By Domanii Cameron, Bulletin
THE Port of Townsville’s $193 million channel-widening project has been given the go-ahead by the State Government following the approval of its rigorous environmental impact statement.
Ports Minister Mark Bailey, Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke and Townsville MP Scott Stewart will announce the approval at the port this morning. The Coordinator-General has now officially handed down the project’s evaluation report that addressed all environmental concerns and social impacts.
The channel widening will now be assessed by the Federal Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999, which will investigate any potential impacts to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the widening of the channel was now a step closer.
“Which in turn means expanded capacity at the port, which will allow the one quarter of cruise ships which cannot currently enter the port to berth at Townsville, increasing tourism numbers and revenue for the region,” he said.
The State Government has already committed $75 million to the widening with the Federal Government being called on to match the funding.
The port has committed the remaining $43 million.
The project is part of the port’s $1.64 billion expansion that is expected to create more than 350 jobs during construction and once it’s complete.
Port’s chief executive officer Ranee Crosby said the importance of the decision should not be understated.
“It’s a milestone that’s has been in the making for nearly 10 years,” she said.
“The EIS is a rigorous environmental review and project assessment, so we are delighted to have now received endorsement for the project from the Coordinator-General. Townsville Port is a vital trade gateway for Northern Australia and for the nation. It is, after all, the country’s largest sugar, zinc, lead, copper and fertiliser port – Northern Australia’s largest container and automotive port.”
Mr Bailey said the widening would attract future growth in trade and investment, supporting more jobs and lowering freight costs for North Queensland.
“The project was revised to be consistent with our Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan commitments, and no capital dredge material will be permitted to be placed at sea, instead material will be used to develop a 152ha reclamation area at the port,” he said.
Ms O’Rourke said the project was game-changing.
“It will generate more than 170 construction jobs and 180 operational jobs and make Townsville an even more attractive destination for new businesses and industry looking to expand and invest in North Queensland,” she said.
The port’s expansion involves four key elements including the capital dredging of 11.48 million cubic metres of sediment to widen and deepen the Sea and Platypus channels and an expanded harbour basin.
It also includes establishing a 152ha reclamation area while constructing 4km of rock revetments and potentially a new 700m western breakwater. Six new berths will also be created.
Source: Bulletin
