Port of Cairns upgrade given environmental approval

The $120 million Port of Cairns upgrade is closer to completion following the Queensland Government’s approval of the Environmental Impact Statement.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick today announced the state’s independent Coordinator-General has approved the port upgrades with very stringent reef safeguards. The Port of Cairns $120 million upgrade is closer to completion due to the Queensland Government’s approval of the Environmental Impact Statement.
“The Ports North project will be a game-changer for the Far North Queensland tourism industry by allowing a significant increase in the size and number of cruise ships and other vessels that can berth in Cairns,” Dick said.
“Economic modelling suggests the project will deliver an $850 million boost to Far North Queensland tourism.
“The region will see the greatest benefit from passenger expenditure, port charges and associated supplies and servicing activity as the Cairns Shipping Development Project will allow for over 100 additional cruise ships to berth annually in the Port of Cairns by 2031.”
 
Dick said the Reef will be protected by a comprehensive set of conditions that Ports North must meet.
“In his evaluation report, the Coordinator-General evaluated all the possible environmental impacts and sets comprehensive conditions to manage potential impacts on Trinity Inlet within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and state marine park,” he added.
“They include managing marine water quality, plant clearing and activity in the state marine park.”