The Federal Government has announced it has approved the joint GVK/Hancock Coal proposed new coal terminal at the existing Port of Abbott Point.

 

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke said the approval has been granted subject to 60 strict conditions to protect the surrounding environment, including the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

 

“This decision follows a rigorous assessment process including the opportunity for public comment,” Mr Burke said.

 

“The conditions I have set manage impacts on listed threatened species, as well as impacts on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and the marine area.

 

“These conditions will assist us in maintaining our commitment to sustainable development and ensure the outstanding universal values of the Great Barrier Reef are protected.”

 

“The proponent will need to develop a seagrass offset package consistent with our approach to environmental protection.

 

Key conditions include:

  • pre-clearance surveys to detect the presence of listed threatened species and migratory species;
  • a biodiversity offsets strategy with offsets of eight to one, including for seagrass, to compensate for unavoidable impacts on matters of national environmental significance;
  • a comprehensive Caley Valley Wetland Management Plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef and migratory species;
  • funding to the Great Barrier Reef Field Management Program for Indigenous rangers, and
  • construction and operational environmental management plans, including:
    • air quality, including the impact of coal dust deposition in the marine environment;
    • water quality, including the impact of runoff into the Caley Valley Wetland and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area; and
    • traffic, including increases to shipping through the Great Barrier Reef.