Townsville residents now have a chance to have a say in the future of their port.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Port of Townsville was a critical regional hub, transporting goods into north Queensland, driving economic growth and generating jobs.
"That’s why we are encouraging the people of Townsville to have their say on this draft master plan which sets out a long-term strategic vision for the port while also protecting the Great Barrier Reef," Mr Stewart said.
"Master planning aligns with other key projects associated with the sustainable development of the port, including the Townsville Port Expansion Project, the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor and the Townsville City Deal.
"The port was identified as one of the state’s four priority ports under the Sustainable Ports Development Act 2015 along with Gladstone, Hay Point/Mackay and Abbot Point."
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said protection of the Great Barrier Reef was a key consideration in the draft plan.
"One of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitments in Our Future State: Advancing Queensland’s Priorities is to ‘Protect the Great Barrier Reef’ and the master plan demonstrates this commitment," Mr Bailey said.
"Balancing sustainable and economic development and managing impacts on the Great Barrier Reef is a challenge but it is one we can meet strategically with careful master-planning and legislation.
"This plan looks beyond the port boundary to ensure port-related development is sustainably managed."
Port of Townsville Chief Executive Officer Ranee Crosby said she was pleased with the draft master plan for the priority port.
"This will guide future development by committing to sustainability and protecting environmental marine areas as set by the Reef 2050 Long-term Sustainability Plan," Ms Crosby said.
"The collaboration between Townsville Port and the Queensland Government reflects the priority of growing our general cargo port and protecting the Great Barrier Reef."
The draft master plan was prepared in consultation with the Port of Townsville Limited, Townsville City Council, state and federal agencies and other stakeholders.
Public information sessions will be held in Townsville and on Magnetic Island during the consultation period.
A copy of the draft Port of Townsville Master Plan, supporting documentation including the preliminary draft port overlay, fact sheets and details on how to make a submission are available on www.tmr.qld.gov.au/SustainablePorts-Townsville.
There will be two public information sessions on the priority Port of Townsville draft master plan.
Community members can speak to the project team during these sessions at:
Maritime Museum of Townsville, 42-68 Palmer Street, Townsville
Date: Wednesday 21 November 2018
Time: 5pm-7pm
RSVP is not required - just drop in.
Magnetic Island Bowls Club, 18 Marine Parade, Arcadia
Date: Thursday 22 November 2018
Time: 10am-12pm
RSVP is not required - just drop in.
