Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) CEO Leo Zussino met with the delegation from UNESCO for a briefing on port developments, which are carried out under stringent environmental standards and regulatory controls.
“ It was an extremely constructive meeting,” Mr Zussino said.
“ GPC were able to answer questions and allay concerns about the myths and rumours circulating about dredging in Gladstone harbour.
“We were able to advise the team of the $25 million of non conditioned monitoring and research undertaken by GPC since the 1990s.
“As well we familiarised them on the $72 million environmental programme currently being undertaken during the dredging programme and the location of the dredging activities, which are more than 40km away from The Great Barrier Reef.”
Mr Zussino added GPC is developing the port with the utmost care and respect for the environment and the Great Barrier Reef.
“ It was important the UNESCO team were able to learn first-hand what is happening in Gladstone, particularly that all dredging activities are outside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and there is a comprehensive water quality monitoring system in place, ” Mr Zussino added.
“GPC is determined to continue to develop a world class commercial port whilst ensuring the maintenance of a sustainable fishing and crabbing harbour for generations to come.”
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Dredging Today Staff, March 8, 2012; Image: westernbasinportdevelopment