The Multi Cargo Facility - Abbot Point

Last time when Labor was in power in Queensland they had huge plans for the Abbot Point Coal Terminal.  It would have been the largest coal terminal in the world.

The Multi Cargo Facility would  include 12 shipping berths, a tug harbour and a dredged access channel, swing basin and berth pockets. 

Under the proposal, all dredged material from construction, approximately 25 million cubic metres, will become reclaimed land so it does not have to be disposed out to sea.

BACKGROUND: 

The project also includes a 70-metre wide construction haul road and port access road linking the harbour development to the Abbot Point State Development Area. 
The proposed road would cross the Caley Valley Wetlands but would be located near an existing water pipeline to the Abbot Point Coal Terminal to reduce impacts. 
The MCF will likely be developed in two stages. 

Stage one will comprise: 
• construction of a bunded reclamation 
• dredging of an access channel, swing basin and berths 
• development of up to six berths 
• development of a tug harbour 
• development of the transport access corridor. 

Stage two would extend the bunded area and include another six berths. 

Source: Queensland Government

Artists impression of what the facility would look like on completion:

More interesting photos of the Multi Cargo Facility. What might have been.......

However, when the LNP got into power they drastically reduced the Multi Cargo proposal stating that it was “unrealistic and undeliverable”.

The AU$9 billion expansion would have increased the capacity of the terminal from 50 million to 385 million tonnes per annum with the facility expanded to accommodate nine coal terminals, making it one of the largest coal ports in the world.

“The significant scale, complexity and potential impacts of the proposed infrastructure are extensive and it would be many years before the whole of the planned additional capacity would realistically be warranted,” Seeney said in a statement.

Under revised plans, a second and third terminal will still be built at the site located in the north of Queensland State.

“The proposals outlined by the (previous Labor) government were unrealistic and undeliverable. They were never going to come to reality,” added Seeney.

“Our focus on (terminal 2 and terminal 3) is a more practical and efficient approach to expansion of infrastructure at Abbot Point.”

Source: Port Technology

The Greens are going on about not wanting another Gladstone fiasco for Abbot Point. Well, this is the reality of what Labor wanted. 

The Fight for the Reef campaign recently posted on Facebook this picture below, blaming the LNP for wanting to do this to Abbot Point just like what happened at Gladstone.  In fact, they are lying, as usual.  This is not what is proposed by the LNP government. This is more like what was proposed by Labor. Compare the pictures of the Multi Cargo facility and Gladstone below.

Gladstone dredging and reclamation.

The proposal for the wetlands disposal is in settling ponds with lined walls. On land, not reclamation like the above photo at Gladstone.

The Green groups campaign is full of misleading information.

Compared with Reality , the LNP plan for Abbot Point...

Media Statements

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning

The Honourable Jeff Seeney

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Port strategy a win-win for environment and economy

North Queensland families have heard firsthand how the Queensland Government will help protect the Great Barrier Reef through a strategy to use dredge material from port development on land, rather than conventional sea-based disposal methods.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney told a public meeting in Bowen that the Abbot Point Beneficial Reuse Strategy would protect the natural wonder and allow for the sustainable development of the port.

“Our Government believes this landmark plan offers the strongest and most exciting opportunity yet to achieve a win-win for the environment and economic growth,” Mr Seeney said.

“We are delivering on our election promise to provide better planning and infrastructure and open up the resource-rich Galilee Basin.

“Labor had no long term plan for the region, the reef or development.

“Our strategy will strike a balance between protecting the unique values of the Great Barrier Reef and boosting regional economies.

“My trip to the port and the opportunity to address North Queenslanders in support of port development has reinforced for me that we cannot miss this chance to create jobs and economic opportunities across the region and the entire state.

“The Queensland Government will continue to support communities like Bowen build a strong future through growth in the tourism, resources and agriculture pillars of their economy.”

The Abbot Point Beneficial Reuse Strategy was launched last week and involves dredge material being placed on existing state land to the west of current port facilities, to lay the groundwork for future expansion. Existing man-made wetlands to the south will be enhanced by the creation of a habitat three times the size of the current wetlands.

“We aim to create a port facility that will serve Queensland industry for the next century and, at the same time, triple the area of existing freshwater wetland to support local flora and fauna,” he said.

“The State Government has appointed experienced project manager, Michael Schaumburg, to oversee this development, with work set to commence as soon as possible should Federal Government approval be granted.”

Mr Seeney said the Abbot Point Beneficial Reuse Strategy would be carried out in stages and consist of a series of enhanced land areas, linked to a low-impact single rail line development and sedimentation ponds to return seawater to marine wetlands.

“We are determined to make the right, long-term planning decisions for this port now, in the same way planning for the successful Port of Brisbane began decades ago," he said.

“I look forward to working with Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell and Commonwealth Minister Greg Hunt to implement this strategy in time for the commencement of dredging in March 2015.”

[ENDS] 17 September 2014

Now, due to Legal challenges the proposal has been downsized even further. For more information on the proposal and any changes please visit the Department of State Development , Infrastructure and Planning website.

Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning