Input invited for Gladstone port master plan

The Gladstone port master plan, designed to drive economic development in and around Gladstone’s port and protect the Great Barrier Reef, is open for public input, as shared by Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, The Hon. Dr Anthony Lynham.
Lynham said the draft master plan sets out growth opportunities and an environmental management framework to ensure job-generating sustainable development.
“Master planning for the priority Port of Gladstone will set the course for growth at Queensland’s largest multi-cargo port,” said Lynham.
“The plan identifies a vision for the area to 2050, including a sharp focus on protecting our iconic reef and safeguarding the outstanding universal value of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area well into the future.”
Gladstone is the first of Queensland’s four priority ports to subject to master planning under laws introduced by the Palaszczuk Government in 2015. Those laws put into effect the Government’s key port-related commitments in the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan.
Master planning has started at Townsville, and preliminary processes are under way for Abbot Point and Hay Point/Mackay.
“Priority ports represent the engines of our economy and master plans will be blueprints on their sustainable development, boosting investor confidence and job growth,” added Lynham.
“We have been working with Gladstone Ports Corporation, the local council, state agencies, the Australian Government and key industry and community groups to prepare the draft master plan, and we are now inviting the community to have its say.”
Submissions on the draft master plan close on Monday, 9 October 2017, and a final master plan and final master planned area will be finalised by mid-2018.