Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt has given the green light to the expansion of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal near Bowen in north Queensland, making it one of the world’s largest coal ports, the ABC News reports
This controversial port expansion to support mining projects and the dredging of 1.1 million cubic metres (2.4 million cubic feet) of spoil has been approved despite fears it threatens the Great Barrier Reef.
There have been a number environmental concerns with the port’s expansion, particularly surrounding its location and the proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.
Mr Hunt has put strict environmental conditions on the expansion, such as monitoring the water quality around the area, monitoring ship movements, and making sure that dredge spoil does not go back into the ocean.
Environmentalists have argued that any expansion at Abbot Point risked the World Heritage-listed reef’s health and would destroy local habitats.
BBC reports that environmental group WWF said 61 hectares of seabed would be “ripped up”, creating the dredge spoil.
“It’s disappointing that the minister has approved this project within the [Barrier Reef area], despite the damage it will do,” spokeswoman Louise Matthiesson said.
“Damaging dredge plumes will be created harming sea grass and potentially reaching nearby coral reefs,” she added.
