$1.3 billion expansion of the Townsville Port to undergo assessment process after being deemed a significant project
May 25, 2011
The $1.3 billion expansion of the Townsville Port will undergo an assessment and community consultation process after being deemed a significant project by the Coordinator-General.
Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade Andrew Fraser says the move reflects the critical importance of the Port and its expansion to securing Townsville’s future economic growth.
“The Government recognises the importance of getting the expansion of Queensland’s third-largest multi-commodity port right to ensure it can meet the needs of current and future Port users, accommodate forecast growth and address current capacity constraints,” Fraser says.
“As part of the expansion, Port of Townsville Limited proposes the construction of a new deep water outer harbour, six additional vessel berths and installation of new navigational aids,” he says.
The expansion works are expected to create around 250 jobs during construction, including 90 ongoing operational jobs.
However, Fraser says it is important to note that a significant project declaration is not an indication of project approval.
“Rather it signals the beginning of a rigorous assessment and community consultation process which will consider the project’s environmental, economic and social impacts,” he says.
Because the project lies within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, it will now go before the Australian Government for consideration under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
“The next step for the Townsville Port expansion will be the preparation of the terms of reference for the environmental impact statement,” Fraser says.
“This will be circulated to key stakeholders and advertised for public comment in the coming months,” he says.