Update
May 8th, 2010
Published in the Gladstone Observer
Since our last column, there continues to be a considerable level of activity and planning in relation to current and proposed major industrial developments in the Gladstone region other than the LNG projects.
The proposed CSG-LNG industry continues to capture most of the attention with the much anticipated impact on the local, state and national economy from construction, operation and export of the finished product.
However it is timely to remember that the LNG projects may not be the next major projects to gain approval and commence construction.
The Wiggins Island Coal Terminal and the associated rail infrastructure development are major projects in their own right and may well gain final approval and commence construction before the end of the year.
ABS-Boulder Steel has recently had some publicity regarding the project timelines. The proposed project is a potential major employer both in construction and operation phases. There are also considerable feedstock’s required for the plant in operation that will need to be sourced locally and also imported through new port and materials handling facilities. The outputs from the plant will also need to be distributed through new port facilities and supply chains. With the proposed increased marine activity in the western basin of the Port of Gladstone the Coordinator-General has recently released the Port of Gladstone Western Basin Master Plan (http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/statewide-planning/port-of-gladstone-western-basin-master-plan.html). The Master Plan is to be implemented by a steering committee of Departmental representatives, Gladstone Port Corporation and Gladstone Regional Council. Another major project in its own right and to be undertaken in parallel with the master plan and industry development is the planned Port of Gladstone, Western Basic Dredging Project (http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/projects/transport/harbours-and-ports/port-of-gladstone-western-basin-strategic-dredging-and-disposal-project.html). The $500M capital project is being proposed by the Gladstone Port Corporation to provide access to the western basin and future marine facilities to support future industrial development in the Gladstone region. The GPCL has provided supplementary information to the EIS for evaluation and inclusion by the Coordinator-General in his final report on the project. Associated with the Western Basin developments and adjacent to the Industry Precinct on Curtis Island is the Environmental Management Precinct on Curtis Island is the Environmental Management Precinct, the 4590 hectares put aside as “green space” for the people of Gladstone. Stage 1 of a study completed and published earlier in the year focused on the current recreational, ecological, environmental, and heritage values of the precinct as well as physical attributes and potential future recreational uses. GHD have been appointed to undertake stage 2 of the study including an extensive public consultation to provide input into the development of a Land Management Plan for this section of Curtis Island. The Land Management Plan will develop recommendations on land uses including open space, recreation, conservation areas, fire and pest management, cultural preservation, community access and facilities, rehabilitation and future studies. The community consultation commences on Saturday 8 May 2010 at 10am at the Curtis Island Rural Fire Brigade and 2pm at the Gladstone Entertainment Centre with consultants GHD and representatives from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning. For more information on the EMP and study visit www.dip.qld.gov.au/environmentalmanagementprecinct. The planning and community engagement are important as these major project development move closer to a final investment decision later this year.