Public consultations start this week on an initiative that will drive economic development in and around Gladstone’s port and protect the Great Barrier Reef.
State Development Minister Anthony Lynham today announced public consultation on a proposed boundary for a master planned area for the Port of Gladstone – a key element in the joint Commonwealth-State government plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
“ The master plan will set a clear direction for the future for Queensland’s second busiest port and help protect the Reef ,” Dr Lynham said. “ It will help make Gladstone’s port precinct a more attractive development option, giving potential investors greater certainty about infrastructure essentials like transport and utilities corridors .”
Master planning at priority ports of Gladstone, Abbot Point near Bowen, Hay Point / Mackay, and Townsville is part of the Queensland Government commitment to the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan . Dr Lynham introduced legislation into Parliament last week that will establish master planning for the four priority ports.
Dr Lynham, who is also the Natural Resources and Mines Minister, said that the Queensland economy relied on ports, particularly the major bulk commodity exporting ports adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
“ Port master planning considers marine and land-based impacts, port and supply chain capacity and connectivity, and environmental and community values. Port master planning for the four Queensland priority ports, including Gladstone, will help better manage impacts of port operations and port development on adjacent land and marine areas ,” he said.
The proposed Gladstone master-planned area encompasses a total area of about 88,000 hectares and includes 4321 hectares of land controlled by the Port of Gladstone, 29,000 hectares of the Gladstone State Development Area, and marine components within the port limits.
Dr Lynham said that the marine components would not include the Port of Rockhampton (Port Alma), the Fitzroy Delta, Keppel Bay or North Curtis Island.