Current proposals

The opportunity for the public to comment on a proposal is an important part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) environmental assessment and consultative processes. As part of these processes, interested parties are invited to contact GBRMPA for more information, or to make a written submission in relation to the proposal.

Open for public comment

Project	Summary	Status
Port of Townsville expansion project (Port of Townsville Ltd) EPBC 2011/5979 G34429.1	Port of Townsville Limited proposes to expand the Port of Townsville in Cleveland Bay. The project is a staged development, expected to take approximately 20 years to complete. The proposal involves a number of activities including reclamation, dredging to extend the existing shipping channels, and the disposal of approximately 5.6 million cubic metres of sediment at an existing dredge disposal site inside the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and at the boundary of the Marine Park.	Open for public comment until 5pm Wednesday 27 May 2013.

Under assessment

Project	Summary	Status
Abbot Point coal export terminal expansion EPBC 2011/6213 G34897.1	North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation proposes to dredge three million cubic metres of sediment to accommodate six new berth pockets and ship apron areas at the Port of Abbot Point. The proposed disposal site is within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.	Public comments are being incorporated and the final Public Environment Report (PER) is being prepared.
Gladstone Port channel duplication (Gladstone Ports Corporation) EPBC 2012/6558	Gladstone Ports Corporation proposes to duplicate the existing Gatcombe and Golding Cutting channel in the Port of Gladstone. The proposal involves 12 million cubic metres of dredging. It is proposed the dredged sediment will be disposed of inside the Marine Park at a new spoil ground, as the current disposal site will be at full capacity. The relocation and construction of navigational aids for the channel is also proposed.	The period for public comment on the draft terms of reference for the EIS (EIS Guidelines) has closed. Public comments are being incorporated and the final EIS Guidelines are being prepared.
Cairns shipping development (Trinity Inlet) project (Far North Queensland Ports Corporation Ltd) EPBC 2012/6538 G35667.1	Far North Queensland Ports Corporation proposes to upgrade existing port infrastructure in Cairns to allow larger vessels to enter, in particular cruise ships. The proposal includes modifying existing shipping and inner harbour channels (widening, deepening) and the creation of a new shipping swing basin. The proposal involves dredging of approximately five million cubic metres of capital material and 580,000 cubic metres of annual maintenance material throughout project operations. Expansion of the existing spoil ground boundaries inside the Marine Park or establishment of an alternative site (inside the Marine Park) to accommodate dredge spoil is likely to be proposed.	The period for public comment on the draft terms of reference for the EIS (EIS Guidelines) has closed. Public comments are being incorporated and the final EIS Guidelines are being prepared.
Dudgeon Point expansion (North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation) EPBC 2012/6240 G34994.1	North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation proposes to expand its coal export terminals at Dudgeon Point, south of Mackay. The proposal involves the development of two new coal export terminals with a combined capacity of up to 180 Mtpa, rail, offshore wharf facilities, creation of ship berth pockets and a departure of apron to service the new berths. The volume of dredged material is estimated to be up to 13 million cubic metres and disposal is likely to be proposed for inside the Marine Park.	Public comments are being incorporated and the final EIS Guidelines are being prepared.
Waratah Coal export facility, Port of Abbot Point (Waratah Coal Pty Ltd) EPBC 2012/6250 G35002	Waratah Coal Pty Ltd proposes to construct a new coal export facility at the Port of Abbot Point. The terminal expansion will comprise various onshore and offshore infrastructure components. The main components of the proposed development include new rail infrastructure, stockyards, conveyors, jetty with eight berths, wharf and other ancillary buildings and infrastructure. The proposal includes dredging of an entrance channel, swing basin and berth pockets. Proposed dredging volumes and disposal activities are unclear at this stage.	Public comments are being incorporated and the final EIS Guidelines are being prepared.
Fitzroy terminal project (Fitzroy Terminal Project Pty Ltd) EPBC 2011/6069 G34621.1	Fitzroy Terminal Project Pty Ltd proposes to develop and operate a coal export facility in Port Alma and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The main components of the project include construction of a rail loop, set down and stockpiling area, and covered conveyor, berths and barges. As part of the operational phase of the project, coal will be loaded onto barges which will meet trans-shippers inside the Marine Park. The trans-shippers will load the coal into waiting ships. The project will potentially require capital and maintenance dredging of Raglan Creek to accommodate the barge loading facility (amount unknown) and disposal of dredge spoil inside the Marine Park.	The proponent is preparing the EIS and is consulting with stakeholders.
Wongai underground coal mine project in Cape York (Aust-Pac Capital Pty Ltd) EPBC 2011/6092 G34709.1	Aust-Pac Capital Pty Ltd is proposing to construct and operate a new underground coal mine in Cape York. The proposed development includes a barge loading facility in the Marine Park (transhipping), jetty and moorings, and ultimate decommissioning of the mine.	The proponent is preparing the EIS and is consulting with stakeholders.

Completed

Project	Summary	Status
Great Keppel Island marina and utilities pipeline	Two Marine Park permits for the Great Keppel Island Resort proposed marina and pipeline have been issued. The permits allow GKI Resort Pty Ltd to proceed with its plans to build and operate a 250-berth marina, submarine electricity and telecommunications cable and submarine pipeline which form part of the proposed Great Keppel Island Revitalisation Plan approved by the Federal Environment Minister. The permits include strict conditions to prevent or minimise impacts on the social, cultural and natural values of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park	Completed. Approved with conditions.
Dent Island Lightstation Heritage Management Plan	The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority have prepared a draft Heritage Management Plan for the Dent Island lighthouse and associated lightstation buildings.	Completed. Public comments are being considered during preparation of the final plan.
Draft Lady Elliot Island Heritage Management Plan	The agency has prepared a draft Heritage Management Plan for the Lady Elliot Island Lightstation.	Completed.
Draft policy - Marine tourism contingency plan for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park	This draft policy has been developed to provide business-focused management arrangements for marine tourism operators impacted by a severe environmental incident.	Completed. Public comments are being considered during preparation of the final policy.
The draft Biodiversity Conversation Strategy	The draft strategy has been developed to provide an overarching framework for biodiversity conservation in the Great Barrier Reef Region.	Completed. Public comments are being considered during preparation of the final report.
Terms of reference for the GBRMPA strategic assessment	The terms of reference for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority strategic assessment define what the assessment is to cover and the approach used to conduct the assessment.	Completed.
Hay Point cyclone mooring s	McConnell Dowell Constructors (Australia) Pty Ltd and Geosea Australia Pty Ltd proposed the installation and operation of 18 cyclone moorings to the east of Victor Island within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.	Completed. Approved with conditions.