The Queensland Government announced it may issue long-term private lease operations for the Port of Gladstone.
The government flagged it would look into the viability of replacing Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) with private operators to run sections of the multi-billion dollar port.
The Newman Government yesterday responded to findings of the Commission of Audit, headed by former Federal Treasurer Peter Costello, released for the first time yesterday, Gladstone Observer reported.
Treasurer Tim Nicholls said a decision had not been made but said some services could be outsourced before the next election.
Nearby Port of Mackay is operated by the private sector, while still government owned.
"That's one of the options; there are a number of options," Nicholls said.
"We could have partial leases. So we could lease to the person who wants to lease the RG Tanna Coal Terminal, but we could have another lease if another person wanted to operate Barney Point."
Gladstone Regional Mayor Gail Sellers said any decision to privatise the port would devastate the local community.
"Obviously, we are devastated this asset will be lost to the community for generations to come," Sellers said.
Deputy Premier and Central Queensland MP Jeff Seeney said a long term lease would mean the port remained owned by the government.
"The Government has made no decision yet to sell Government businesses and remains fully committed to seeking a mandate from the people of Queensland before divesting itself of any Government businesses, if that decision is made," he said.
Organiser for the state Maritime Union of Australia in Gladstone, Jason Miners said job losses would be inevitable with a private sector lease.
"It's a race to the bottom, that's how all these privatisations work. The Government sells it out and jobs get cut; it's a real kick in the guts for maritime workers in Gladstone," he said.
Miners said privatisation could make the port less safe.
"Currently, the port's well-maintained and employs a lot of people, it's the centre of Gladstone – for that to be damaged is a disgrace.''
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