Gladstone Ports Corporation has welcomed the announcement from the State government to grant significant project status to the proposed channel duplication project.
Chairman Mark Brodie said the channel duplication project will ensure the future of the central Queensland region. “ In order for the port to grow and meet the future demands of the region it is necessary there is two channels in the outer harbour for shipping, ” Mr Brodie said. “ This project has been detailed in our 50 year strategic plan for many years.”
Currently the Gatcombe and Golding Channel services shipping through the port. The channel duplication will see the creation of a new channel alongside the Gatcombe and Golding Channel. The new channel will be dredged to a depth of 16.1 metres and will run from South Trees to south of Facing Island.
Mr Brodie said it was gratifying to have the state government acknowledge the importance of the Port of Gladstone for the future economic prosperity of the region and the state. “ We will now commence the EIS phase which will address any implications to assessments currently underway on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park World Heritage Area.”
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Press Release, September 27, 2012