Gladstone port plan an Australian first
26 November 2018/
Queensland Government:
A
master plan to ensure the long-term growth
of the
Port of Gladstone and protect the Great Barrier Reef is being
hailed an Australian first.
Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher welcomed the release of the final
master plan saying it marked a major milestone.
“The Port of Gladstone is
Queensland’s largest multi-commodity
port and an important economic
hub contributing significantly to regional jobs and the state’s
economy,” Mr Butcher said.
“It was identified as one of the state’s four priority ports under the
Sustainable Ports Development Act 2015, along with Townsville, Hay
Point/Mackay and Abbot Point.
“This master plan addresses the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s
recommendations for the Outstanding Universal Value of the Great Barrier
Reef.
“Balancing sustainable and economic development and managing cumulative
impacts on the Great Barrier Reef is a challenge but we are getting the
balance right with careful master-planning and legislation.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the plan looked
beyond the port boundary to ensure port-related development was
sustainably managed while protecting the Great Barrier Reef.
“It considers potential marine and land-based impacts, port and supply
chain capacity and connectivity, and environmental and community
values,” Mr Bailey said.
“One of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitments in Our Future State:
Advancing Queensland’s Priorities is to ‘Protect the Great Barrier Reef’
and the master plan demonstrates this commitment.
“The plan was finalised after research and extensive consultation with
Gladstone Ports Corporation, Gladstone Regional Council, state and
federal agencies and other stakeholders.
“The next step will involve the preparation of a draft port overlay
which clearly defines the regulatory and developmental considerations in
the master planned area.
“All stakeholders and the community will be able to have their say on
what this will look like.”
Gladstone Ports Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Peter O’Sullivan
said the Port of Gladstone master plan balanced sustainable economic
development with environmental and community values.
“Gladstone Ports Corporation appreciates the Queensland Government’s
efforts in involving the Corporation and Gladstone Regional Council in
the preparation of the Port of Gladstone master plan,” Mr O’Sullivan
said.
A copy of the priority Port of Gladstone master plan is available on
www.tmr.qld.gov.au/SustainablePorts-Gladstone
.
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
Contact: Media contact: Toby Walker – 0439 347 875
External Links: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/SustainablePorts-Gladstone
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