Sustainable Ports Development Bill 2015

Overview

This bill protects the Great Barrier Reef by tightly controlling port development along the Queensland coast. It confines new port facilities and capital dredging to four priority ports (Abbot Point, Gladstone, Hay Point/Mackay and Townsville) and bans sea dumping of port dredge spoil in the World Heritage Area. Each priority port must have a long-term master plan and a port overlay that sets consistent rules across local planning schemes.

Who it affects

Coastal communities and the reef environment gain stronger protection, while port authorities, exporters and landowners near the four priority ports face new planning rules. Local councils must align planning schemes with port overlays, and landowners whose land value drops can claim State compensation.

Key changes

• New port facilities are banned in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area outside existing port limits
• Capital dredging is restricted to the four priority ports of Abbot Point, Gladstone, Hay Point/Mackay and Townsville
• Sea dumping of capital dredge spoil in the World Heritage Area is prohibited - material must be reused or placed on non-tidal land
• Each priority port must have a master plan and port overlay that overrides local planning schemes
• Landowners can claim compensation within three years if a port overlay reduces their land value, with appeals to the Planning and Environment Court
• Giving false or misleading information to the Minister carries a maximum penalty of 1,665 penalty units