Approval for dredge spoil works

Cairns Regional Council approved works associated with the transportation and storage of dredge spoil from Trinity Inlet, paving the way for the Cairns Shipping Development Project (CSDP) to go ahead.

The Cairns Shipping Development Standing Committee today provided its heavily conditioned approval for the Material Change of Use application and Operational Works permit relating to the land-based storage of dredge spoil.

Mayor Bob Manning said the approval was a key milestone in the long-awaited project.

“This project is a critical step in growing our economy, as has been identified in the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision,” Cr Manning said.

“When completed, it will enable ships of up to 300 metres in length to dock at our port. That opens up a range of new opportunities to tap further into the cruising industry and will allow for future expansion of HMAS Cairns.

“Council is required to assess several land-based components of the project, including operational works to create a suitable storage area at Northern Sands, which was approved by the State Government through the Environmental Impact Statement to receive the dredge spoil.

“We take this responsibility very seriously we are pleased to be able to contribute to a positive outcome for this project.

Under the CSDP, it is proposed that up to 1 million cubic metres of dredge spoil be removed from the Trinity Inlet shipping channel to both widen and deepen the existing channel and swing basin. The creation of a new swing basin at Smiths Creek and structural upgrades to existing wharves are also included in the $127 million Queensland Government project.

The project includes the construction and subsequent removal of an 8km temporary pipeline from Yorkeys Knob to the Northern Sands Dredge Material Placement Area, located within the Barron River Delta.

Prior to considering the development application, Council engaged leading experts in water quality and groundwater impacts, soils, flooding, planning and engineering to provide advice on the potential impacts of the proposed land use.

Today’s approval is accompanied by 70 pages of conditions that have been applied by Council and relevant Queensland Government agencies.

“This is an important project for our city and our region, but one that needs to be undertaken properly and thoughtfully,” Cr Manning said.

“The conditions imposed by Council ensure all issues and risks have been addressed and serve to assure the community that any potential long-term environmental impacts have been alleviated.”

Also at today’s Standing Committee meeting, a submission to the Coordinator General was tabled, stating Council has no objection to the proposed declaration of the project as a Prescribed Project.