Decision delayed again.... The Hon Mark Butler MP Minister for Climate Change Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Water 9 August 2013 STATEMENT - ABBOTT POINT There is currently an application before me to approve a dredging application at Abbot Point in Queensland. This application is intended to cater for new coal mines being developed in the Galilee Basin. The application requires that some 3 million cubic metres be dredged at Abbot Point and disposed of within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park area. Extensive work has been done to support the application which is due for decision during the Caretaker period leading to the September 7 election. The Government has also been conducting studies to support a comprehensive Strategic Assessment of the Great Barrier Reef which is due for submission to the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in early 2015. A number of reports have only just been delivered to me, which potentially impact on the Abbot Point assessment. These include: • The initial report on findings of the Independent Review of the Port of Gladstone • Ship anchorage management in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area • Environmental best practice port development: an analysis of international approaches • Improved dredge material management for the Great Barrier Reef region Given the significance of the Abbot Point development both in terms of the economic development of the region and the potential environmental impacts on the Great Barrier Reef I have decided to release these reports for public information. I am conscious of the balance between the economic benefits and environmental concerns associated with any decision on Abbot Point. The various, significant environmental imperatives must be considered, as does the potential for jobs growth, which is vital for a range of coastal and inland communities. In order for these matters to be fully considered I have stopped the clock on my department’s assessment of the Abbot Point Capital Dredging proposal for a period of three months. This does not prevent a decision being made earlier if I believe I have enough information to make an informed decision. In addition I will be calling for public comment on The Report of the Independent Review of the Port of Gladstone. An invitation will be placed on my department’s web site shortly.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Aug 2013 05:57:54 +0000
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